Sin barco y sin amor by Enrique Lary

Sin barco y sin amor is a Tango written by Enrique Lary and composed by Erma Suárez.

Story behind the Tango Sin barco y sin amor

The lyrics of “Sin barco y sin amor” convey a deep sense of loneliness and heartbreak interwoven with the transient lifestyle of a sailor. The tango tells the story of a man drinking in a dimly lit, narrow alley café in what he refers to as “vieux Paris,” surrounded by sailors and fleeting romantic encounters. He hides from his sorrows in alcohol, reflecting on a lost love that haunts him. He insists on remaining in his melancholy state, vividly illustrating his unresolved feelings and the shadow they cast over his current interactions, even as he tries to distract himself with the company of another.

Symbolism of Sin barco y sin amor

The title “Sin barco y sin amor” translates to “Without a ship and without love,” symbolizing the protagonist’s loss of direction and companionship. Ships in literature are often metaphors for a journey or a voyage, and being without one suggests a loss of purpose or belonging. The repetitive imagery of drinking and the somber setting in a café full of sailors each with “un amor en cada puerto” evoke a sense of cyclical escapism and transient relationships, which contrast sharply with his longing for a lasting connection he once had. This juxtaposition underscores the sailor’s deep-rooted sense of isolation and abandonment.

Sin barco y sin amor in historic Context

The tango was recorded in 1957, a time when Argentina was experiencing significant political and social changes. In this context, the themes of wandering and disillusionment in “Sin barco y sin amor” resonate with the uncertainty and longing for stability during this turbulent period. Historically, tango has been a genre that reflects the sentiments of the lower classes, and the mention of specific locales like “vieux París” might be an idealization or romanticizing of distant places, common in the narratives of people feeling stuck or discontented with their situations.

Enrique Lary

Enrique Lary, an important figure in tango, is known for his evocative lyrics that often explore themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.