Recién by Homero Manzi

Recién is a Tango written by Homero Manzi and composed by Osvaldo Pugliese.

Story behind the Tango Recién

“Recién” captures a poignant moment of return and reconciliation. The protagonist comes back to a loved one, weary from life’s journeys, aged not just by time but also by the failures and missteps along the way. The key emotional thrust is remorse and a bittersweet self-realization. They acknowledge hurting their loved one in the past, driven by youthful recklessness and an inability to deal with their partner’s sorrow. Now, returning with a clearer vision and a matured heart, they seek not forgiveness but understanding, finding in their loved one’s serene acceptance a painful kind of solace.

Symbolism of Recién

In “Recién,” Homero Manzi employs several poignant symbols. The “protection of your hands so serene” metaphorically emphasizes the power of calm and steady love that awaits the protagonist. This contrasts deeply with their past, depicted as “streets of deception where [the heart] rolled clumsily.” These streets symbolize the misguided paths the speaker once took. The ultimate symbol is in the changed perception of life “without shadows or lies,” signifying a move from darkness to enlightenment, heavily shadowed by the lessons learned through hardship and time.

Recién in Historic Context

Created in 1944 in Argentina, a time marked by significant social changes and the buildup to Juan Perón’s rise to power, “Recién” reflects a personal yet universal sense of returning and remorse. The psychological landscape of the song mirrors the national sentiment—between the fading Old Argentina and the emerging new identity under Perón’s influence. This duality is captured in the personal narrative of self-reflection and the longing for redemption within a changing personal and social milieu.

Homero Manzi

Homero Manzi was a renowned Argentine lyricist and filmmaker, celebrated for his profound and poignant contributions to the Tango genre.