La payanca by Jesús Fernández Blanco

La payanca is a Tango written by Jesús Fernández Blanco and composed by Augusto Berto.

Story behind the Tango La payanca

“La payanca” reflects the nostalgic recollections of a man looking back on his youthful love affairs, characterized by the metaphor of his ‘payanca’—a term that, while not having a direct translation, is often associated with grace, fluidity, and elegance. The lyrics suggest a man who experienced passionate relationships, won countless hearts, and showcased an irresistible charm, now reminiscent of the days gone by. The repeated references to love, passion, and the impact of a lost youth strongly imbue the tango with a sentiment of longing and remembrance.

Symbolism of La payanca

In the tango “La payanca,” the titular concept itself symbolizes the protagonist’s journey through the realms of love and life. The lyrics use terms like “fiery heart,” “seduction,” and “triumph over a rival,” which collectively paint a picture of youthful exuberance and the thrill of romantic conquest. The “mil bocas como una flor” (“a thousand mouths like a flower”) symbolizes the numerous kisses and shared moments of intimacy. Each verse adds depth to the emotional spectrum of love, from its initial excitement to its inevitable loss, echoed in the mournful tone of the repeated line “¡Ay, quién pudiera volver!”—expressing a wish to return to those youthful days.

La payanca in historic Context

Recorded in 1964, “La payanca” by Jesús Fernández Blanco emerged during a period when Argentine Tango was seeing a revival in both popularity and evolution in its musical expression. The 1960s in Argentina were a time of significant social and political change, with modernism influencing art forms. The reflective and somewhat nostalgic themes in “La payanca” might have resonated with an audience experiencing rapid societal changes, making them yearn for simpler, passionate days of youth. This backdrop amplifies the emotional resonance of the tango, serving as a bridge between the romanticized past and the evolving present.

Jesús Fernández Blanco

Jesús Fernández Blanco was an influential poet and lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for his evocative and emotionally rich texts.