Se lo llevaron by Enrique Cadícamo

Se lo llevaron is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Agustín Bardi.

Story behind the Tango Se lo llevaron

The lyrics of “Se lo llevaron” tell a poignant story of abandonment and despair. The subject of the tango is a person taken away to a distant or isolated place, perhaps a prison or a remote location implied by phrases like “pa’l pueblo” which translates to ‘to the village’. Throughout the song, this person’s perspective highlights feelings of betrayal and loneliness, particularly pointing to someone who significantly failed to hear or respond to their plight, as suggested by “La desalmada no lo oyó / Ni fue ni una vez a verlo.” These lines translate to “The heartless one did not hear him / Nor did she even once go to see him,” indicating a deep emotional abandonment as well as physical distance.

Symbolism of Se lo llevaron

The tango employs powerful symbolism to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative. The phrase “Algo con rayas asombraba,” literally “Something with stripes astonished,” might symbolize the prison uniform, suggesting the person was jailed, which aligns with “lleno de cárcel,” meaning “full of prison.” These elements symbolize restriction, confinement, and a stark change in life circumstances. The recurring theme of isolation is also captured in “En un rincón perdido y vencido,” translating as “In a lost and defeated corner,” painting a picture of a hopeless and forgotten individual.

Se lo llevaron in historic Context

“Se lo llevaron” was created in 1937, during a turbulent period in Argentina’s history, marked by political strife and the onset of military regimes that would dominate the Argentine political landscape for decades. This context may influence the song’s narrative, hinting at the government’s oppressive tactics against dissenters who were often imprisoned or exiled. The metaphor of being taken “to the village” and being “full of prison” could subtly comment on state censorship and suppression of freedom, resonating with the lived experiences of many Argentinians at the time.

Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist whose career spanned much of the 20th century, enriching the tango genre with his profound and poignant compositions.