Que falta que me hacés by Federico Silva

Que falta que me hacés is a Tango written by Federico Silva and composed by Miguel Caló.

Story behind the Tango Que falta que me hacés

The lyrics of “Que falta que me hacés” evoke a profound sense of longing and absence. The repeated phrase, “¡No estás! Te busco y ya no estás,” which translates to “You are not here! I look for you and you are no longer here,” sets a tone of desperation and yearning. Silva exposes the painful sting of waiting—the “espina de la espera”—highlighting the emotional and perhaps physical pain associated with the wait for a loved one. The imagery of wanting to kiss discolored lips “like after kissing them” suggests a deep, intimate loss, not just of companionship but of physical closeness and affection.

Symbolism of Que falta que me hacés

In “Que falta que me hacés”, the use of the words “Espina de la espera,” translating to “Thorn of waiting,” stands out as a powerful metaphor for the pain and discomfort associated with waiting for someone who may never return. The thorn, an object that physically pricks and hurts, symbolizes how the absence of the loved one continually wounds the spirit of the speaker. This anguish is captured vividly and imbues the tango with a tangible sense of sorrow and longing.

Que falta que me hacés in Historic Context

The tango “Que falta que me hacés” emerged in 1964, a period characterized by significant social and political change in Argentina. This era was marked by instability, which could explain the themes of loss and longing in the song. The melancholic tone of the tango may reflect a broader sentiment of uncertainty and nostalgia for better times, mirroring the public’s sentiment towards the fast changes and challenges of the era. The expression of deep personal emotion through music was a form of coping with the broader changes in society. Additionally, tango was traditionally a genre echoing the sentiments of the lower classes and the disillusioned; thus, Silva’s lyrics might resonate deeply with the collective emotion of the populace during that turbulent time.

Federico Silva

Federico Silva was a noted lyricist in Argentine tango, known for his poignant and stirring compositions that often delved into themes of love, loss, and longing.