Volver a soñar by Andrés Fraga

Volver a soñar is a Tango written by and composed by Andrés Fraga.

Story behind the Tango Volver a soñar

The tango “Volver a soñar,” woven through with themes of nostalgia and lost love, takes the listener on an emotional journey. The author expresses a bittersweet longing, reflecting on a love that has ended. The story revolves around a relationship marked by a poignant farewell, symbolized by the metaphor of a written letter—a tangible representation of goodbye. In the tango, there’s a resignation to the inevitability of loss, as well as a gentle acceptance of the passage of time and the fading memories of a past romance.

Symbolism of Volver a soñar

Rich in symbolism, the lyrics capture deep emotions through evocative language. The reference to “La carta del adiós” (the letter of goodbye) serves as a powerful emblem of the finality and formal closure of a chapter in one’s life. Language like “el rastro de un perfume antiguo” (the trace of an ancient scent) evokes the lingering, yet fading, reminders of a once-intimate connection. The “lánguido sabor de un néctar que ya nunca beberé” (languid taste of a nectar that I will never drink again) symbolizes the sweetness of past love that has become unreachable—a nostalgic yearning for what was.

Volver a soñar in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1940, the tango reflects a period of uncertainty and transition in Argentina, marked by social change and political discord. Buenos Aires, the birthplace of tango, was experiencing an era of cultural blossoming despite the global backdrop of World War II. The evocative emotions depicted in the song resonate with a society well-acquainted with loss and resilience, traits reflected in the soul of the tango itself.

Andrés Fraga, the composer of “Volver a soñar,” was a significant figure in Argentine music, contributing to the deep cultural tapestry of tango music in the early 20th century.