Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Si yo soñara is a Tango written by Carlos Sánchez, Federico Saniez and composed by Joseph A. Burke.
The lyrics of “Si yo soñara” translate to a heartfelt expression of longing and a dreamlike desire. The narrator recounts being led by the night to the proximity of the beloved, an encounter facilitated through dreams. The essence of the song taps into the theme of unattainable love, only accessible in the fleeting world of dreams. This theme of romantic despair is a common narrative thread in tango lyrics, often reflecting the broader emotional vulnerabilities and desires of the human condition.
Significant symbols within the lyrics include “the night” and “stars,” which conjure images of distance, mystery, and destiny. When the night “leads” the protagonist, it symbolizes fate’s guiding hand, possibly hinting at the uncontrollable nature of love. The stars shining are traditional symbols of hope and guidance. The repeated dream motif resonates deeply, suggesting that in dreams we can live the desires that reality denies us.
A pivotal phrase, “Si esto es un sueño, no quiero despertar” (If this is a dream, I do not want to wake up), encapsulates the heart of the tango, expressing the preference of remaining in a dream state rather than facing a possibly harsh reality without love.
“Si yo soñara” was recorded in 1931, during a period known for the proliferation of tango in Argentina, a cultural movement that mirrored the societal changes and emotional struggles of that era. This time was also marked by economic turmoil, which perhaps intensified the escapism found in the arts. The longing and melancholy in tangos like “Si yo soñara” could mirror the collective societal yearning for better times or lost loves—an emotional solace against the backdrop of uncertainty.
Carlos Sánchez and Federico Saniez are recognized for their contributions to the rich tapestry of tango music, capturing the spirit and soul of early 20th-century Argentina through their emotionally charged and poetically poignant lyrics.