Se han sentado las carretas by Enrique Cadícamo

Se han sentado las carretas is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Agustín Bardi.

Story behind the Tango Se han sentado las carretas

“Se han sentado las carretas” translates to “The carts have settled” in English, invoking an image of stillness and rest after a long journey. This tango captures a moment of introspection in the quiet night, illuminated only by the moon and the stars. The lyrics open with a scenery where everyone is asleep, and a single voice, that of an inspired wagoner, breaks the silence with a mournful song. The primary themes revolve around suffering, reflection on personal deceit, and a philosophical resignation toward emotional pain.

Symbolism of Se han sentado las carretas

The wagon and its settling symbolize the end of movement or a pause, reflecting perhaps a moment of contemplative stillness in one’s life. The “luna” (moon) and “estrellas” (stars) amplify the emotional atmosphere, being traditional symbols of distance, inaccessibility, and often, beauty in solitude. Particularly poignant is the lyric “mejor tirar a los caranchos mi vichoco corazón,” suggesting one should cast aside their heart to the vultures, a powerful image of despair and resignation to loss or betrayal.

Se han sentado las carretas in historic Context

Created in 1949, post-World War II Argentina was marked by significant political and social changes. This period saw a rise in the popularity of tango, which often reflected the common people’s struggles, passions, and existential reflections. The tango thus serves as both entertainment and a cathartic expression of deeper societal moods. “Se han sentado las carretas,” with its themes of personal betrayal and emotional desolation, mirrors the broader sense of uncertainty and searching that would have pervaded Argentine society at the time.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine lyricist and poet known for his significant contributions to the Tango genre.