Vieja calesita by Julio Cantuarias

Vieja calesita is a Tango written by Julio Cantuarias and composed by Enrique Mónaco.

Story behind the Tango Vieja calesita

The tango “Vieja calesita” (Old Carousel) recounts the tale of a nostalgic carousel that symbolizes the innocence and exuberance of youth. Cantuarias’ lyrics portray a deep longing for the simplicity and joy of childhood, contrasted against the complexities and disillusionments of adult life. The carousel, which once brought joy to children in a neighborhood (arrabal), has ceased to exist just as those innocent times have disappeared. The narrator reflects on the changes and corrupt nature of the modern world, mourning the loss of both his youth and the innocent spaces that shaped it.

Symbolism of Vieja calesita

The carousel in the tango symbolizes more than just a children’s amusement; it represents a revolving journey of life, carrying dreams and memories yet remaining anchored in one place. The phrases “Calesita de ayer, que el tiempo llevó” and “Dando vueltas me voy, como vos te vas” underscore the notions of passing time and the unchangeable nature of past happiness. These lines depict the carousel as a witness to the unending, cyclical nature of life, reflecting both the inevitable progression and the repetitive cycles people go through.

Furthermore, Cantuarias contrasts the names “El Totó”, “El Nené”, “El Lulú” with descriptions of heartless individuals, highlighting the societal shift towards a more pretentious, insincere mannerism that disregards the valor of genuine sentiment, effectively using names to denote the change in societal values and the loss of authenticity.

Vieja calesita in historic Context

The tango was written and recorded in Argentina in 1929, a period characterized by significant social and economic changes. This transition is mirrored in the melancholic reflection of the lyrics, as it talks about a time when the neighborhood was simpler and filled with genuine characters—an era before the sophistication and artificiality took over. The mention of “arrabal,” a term often used to describe the outskirts or a shantytown in Spanish-speaking countries, points to the societal margins where tango originally flourished among the working class. The fading of the tango from these areas signifies a broader cultural shift and gentrification that distanced the original spirit of tango from its roots.

Julio Cantuarias

Julio Cantuarias was a notable figure in Argentine tango, primarily recognized for his poignant lyrics that often encapsulated themes of nostalgia and social commentary.