Yo no sé llorar by Celedonio Flores

Yo no sé llorar is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Joaquín Do Reyes.

Story behind the Tango Yo no sé llorar

The lyrics of “Yo no sé llorar” delve into the heartache and betrayal felt by a man whose cherished partner has been taken from him due to another’s selfish desires. The song encapsulates a deep sense of loss and the poignant struggle of maintaining one’s composure and dignity in the face of profound sorrow. The narrator expresses his inability to cry, highlighting his stoic endurance despite the emotional turmoil that ravages him.

Symbolism of Yo no sé llorar

The phrase “Yo no sé llorar,” directly translating to “I do not know how to cry,” symbolizes not only a personal incapacity to express grief through tears but also alludes to a cultural depiction of masculinity, where emotional vulnerability is often suppressed. The lines “I endure suffering” and “it is horrible, low, and cowardly, but I do not curse” reflect a conflict between experiencing harsh emotions and the moral code to remain honorable and composed.

Yo no sé llorar in historic Context

Recorded shortly after World War II, in 1946, “Yo no sé llorar” emerges at a time when Argentina, like much of the world, was transitioning from the hardships of war to the challenges of peace. The tango, a genre deeply rooted in the expression of melancholy and nostalgia, serves as an outlet for the collective grief and personal tragedies of the era. The references to a “santified home ruined by whims” might also subtly critique the broader societal disruptions experienced during this period.

Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a noted Argentine poet and tanguero, renowned for his evocative lyrics that often reflect the socio-cultural landscape of early 20th-century Argentina.