Tiempo by Francisco García Jiménez

Tiempo is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Osvaldo Ruggiero.

Story behind the Tango Tiempo

“Tiempo” reflects a narrative of loss, nostalgia, and the relentless flow of time. The lyrics evoke a profound sadness due to the absence of a loved one. Starting with poignant questions about lost elements – eyes, smile, the path that brought her to him – it sets a tone of deep longing and loss. The piece moves from questioning to realizing that these elements are forever lost, captured beautifully in the phrase “Todo es un recuerdo pálido y lejano” which translates to “Everything is a distant, pale memory.”

Symbolism of Tiempo

Several symbolic elements are used in “Tiempo” to enhance its emotional depth. The constant referral to “tiempo” (time in English) personifies it as an entity or force responsible for the changes and the separation, culminating in the accusation, “Tiempo, fue tu mano quién la muerte dio,” suggesting time itself delivered death to their love. Phrases like “sombras en las sombras tristes del jardín” (shadows in the sad shadows of the garden) and “Siempre el paso del fantasma del invierno” (Always the passing of winter’s ghost) use natural imagery to reflect the internal landscape of the narrator, depicting a time of desolation and decay.

Tiempo in Historic Context

The tango “Tiempo” was written in 1947, a period in Argentine history marked by significant political and social changes. This era saw the rise of Juan Domingo Perón, which brought both hope and controversy. The tango, a cultural artifact, often mirrors the public sentiments of its time. In “Tiempo,” the theme of loss and resignation might subtly echo the national sentiments of uncertainty and transformation. As tangos often do, it provides an outlet for expressing more profound societal emotions through personal stories.

Francisco García Jiménez

Francisco García Jiménez was a prolific Argentine lyricist and author known for his contributions to the tango genre.