Que falta que me hacés by Federico Silva

Que falta que me hacés is a Tango written by Federico Silva and composed by Armando Pontier.

Story behind the Tango Que falta que me hacés

The lyrics of “Que falta que me hacés” speak profoundly of longing and the emotional void left by a loved one’s absence. The song opens with the stark realization of the loved one not being present anymore – “¡No estás! Te busco y ya no estás” (You’re not here! I look for you and you’re not here). This sets a tone of desperation and longing that carries throughout the piece. The imagery of pain, expressed as “Espina de la espera” (Thorn of waiting), suggests a deep and penetrating sorrow associated with waiting for the beloved. The yearning manifests intensely with the desire to shout the beloved’s name and the longing for a physical reconnection, vividly painted in the line “Desear tus labios despintados, como luego de besarlos…” (Longing for your faded lips, as after kissing them…).

Symbolism of Que falta que me hacés

The tango uses powerful symbols to express emotion. “Espina de la espera” (Thorn of waiting) symbolizes the painful longing and continuous hurt of absence, capturing the physical and emotional toll of separation. The repeated exclamations “¡No estás!” emphasize the felt emptiness and disbelief. In bolder strokes, the composer uses the longing for ‘faded lips’ as a symbol of intimate moments now missed, echoing memories of passion that make the present emptiness harder to bear. The song climaxes with a poignant expression of desperation to share accumulated tenderness that could build a ‘world’ only to be given to the loved one. This metaphor underlines the vastness of the emotional reserves waiting to be shared, adding depth to the feeling of loss and longing.

Que falta que me hacés in historic Context

Recorded in 1964 in Argentina, “Que falta que me hacés” was released during a period when Argentina was going through significant social and political changes. The longing and melancholy in tango music often reflect broader societal sentiments. In the context of the 1960s, a period marked by political unrest and social transformations in Argentina, the themes of loss, waiting, and unfulfilled desire in the lyrics perhaps echo a wider narrative of collective unrest and hope for resolution. The historical context enriches the personal yearning with a layer of general desolation faced by many during such unsettling times.

Federico Silva

Federico Silva was a prolific lyricist whose works are notable for their emotional depth and resonance within the tango genre. His collaboration with composer Armando Pontier on this piece is celebrated for capturing the essence of tango’s melancholic soul.