Si se salva el pibe by Celedonio Flores

Si se salva el pibe is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Francisco Pracánico.

Story behind the Tango Si se salva el pibe

“Si se salva el pibe” illustrates a poignant narrative situated in a community setting, describing the tense atmosphere around a young boy’s critical health condition. The lyrics speak deeply to hope and collective resilience, poised at the prospect of his recovery. The overarching theme is one of potential jubilation amid grave concern, where the community plans to celebrate if the boy survives, reflecting a communal spirit typical of the tight-knit neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The protective and tender sentiments of the family, particularly from the boy’s elder, are evident as they hope for better outcomes and cherish the child’s innocence and goodness.

Symbolism of Si se salva el pibe

Celedonio Flores employs rich symbolism and emotive language to enhance the song’s emotional depth. Phrases like “será fiesta patria en el arrabal” equate the boy’s recovery to a national celebration, highlighting his importance to the community. The mention of “llenaremos toda la casa de adornos” symbolizes the filling of a void in their lives with joy and gratitude, should the boy recover. Furthermore, references to a guardian angel in “tienen a su lado un ángel guardián” underscore themes of protection and divine intervention, suggesting that the boy’s purity and goodness might save him. This interplay between hope, spiritual belief, and communal care vividly portrays the cultural emphasis on family and community bonds.

Si se salva el pibe in historic Context

Recorded in 1944, “Si se salva el pibe” emerged during a tumultuous period in Argentine history, marked by political instability and social upheaval. This era saw the rise of populism with Juan Perón, and a deepening of social policies that aimed at integrating the urban poor and working classes into national discourse. Set against this backdrop, the Tango likely resonated strongly with the Argentine populace, who could identify with the themes of struggle, familial concern, communal support, and the hope for divine intervention. The song’s setting in the ‘arrabal,’ or suburbs, places it squarely in the heart of working-class Argentina, where Tango was both a form of entertainment and a means of expression for the marginalized.

Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, celebrated for his ability to encapsulate the essence of Buenos Aires’ urban culture and the sentiments of its common folk.