San José de Flores by Enrique Gaudino

San José de Flores is a Tango written by Enrique Gaudino and composed by Armando Acquarone.

Story behind the Tango San José de Flores

“San José de Flores” reflects a poignant narrative where the protagonist returns to his childhood neighborhood, filled with sorrow and nostalgia. The essence of this tango is encapsulated in the individual’s journey of leaving home with ambition and returning defeated by life’s harsh realities. Gaudino’s lyrics poignantly depict the sorrow of recognizing the irreversible changes in both the physical space and in oneself over time.

Symbolism of San José de Flores

The tango uses vivid imagery and metaphors to express deeper emotions and connections to place. “Barrio de Flores” symbolizes a cherished past that no longer exists except in memory. Phrases like “cargado de penas” and “cansado de tanto ambular” underline the burden of unmet expectations and a weary life. The emotional climax of the tango is captured in the line, “¡Mi barrio no es éste, cambió de lugar!”, implying that it’s not the geographical displacement that matters, but the personal transformation that estranges one from their roots.

San José de Flores in Historic Context

Recorded in the mid-20th century, a period marked by cultural and socio-economic shifts in Argentina, the tango captures a sense of individual loss and collective change. 1953, the year of its creation, was a time of significant political and social turmoil in Argentina. These conditions often led individuals to seek fortunes afar, as reflected by the protagonist’s initial departure. The mention of “tierras extrañas” and battling fortune underscores the emigration and eventual disenchanted return, common narratives during this era in Argentine history.

Enrique Gaudino

Enrique Gaudino was a notable tango lyricist whose work encapsulated profound emotional and social narratives within the genre.