Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Quién tuviera dieciocho años is a Tango written and composed by Guillermo Barbieri.
The tango “Quién tuviera dieciocho años” reflects on the passage of time and the nostalgia for youth. The lyrics express a longing to return to the age of eighteen, a time remembered for joy, social gatherings, and initial romances. It presents youth as a period of life free from the sorrows that come with age and responsibility.
The poem is rich with symbolism and stands as an ode to the wistfulness of lost youth. The repeated lament, “¡Quién tuviera dieciocho años!” translates to “If only I were eighteen again!” symbolizing a universal desire to return to one’s youth, epitomizing innocence and freedom from life’s burdens. The references to influencing others with verses from poet Evaristo Carriego suggest the transformative and inspirational power of youth and its experiences.
Created in Argentina in 1944, the world was still embroiled in World War II, casting a pall of uncertainty and sorrow over many lives. In this context, Barbieri’s yearning for the simplicity and carefree nature of youth captures a collective desire to escape the harsh realities of the time. It may also reflect a social commentary on the evolution of societal norms, where respect and valor were cherished during youth.
Guillermo Barbieri was an Argentine musician and lyricist, mostly known for his compositions that explore themes of nostalgia and cultural tradition.