Naranjo En Flor

Aníbal Troilo's 'Naranjo En Flor' is a poignant tango that delves deep into the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The song's title, which translates to 'Orange Blossom,' serves as a metaphor for fleeting beauty and ephemeral moments. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that was once tender and fresh, much like the delicate petals of an orange blossom. However, this love has withered away, leaving behind a sense of nostalgia and melancholy.

The song's narrative structure takes the listener through a journey of emotional stages. It begins with the reminiscence of a love that was 'softer than water' and 'fresher than the river,' highlighting its initial purity and vitality. As the song progresses, it reveals the inevitable suffering that accompanies love. The lines 'Primero hay que saber sufrir, después amar, después partir' (First you have to know how to suffer, then love, then leave) encapsulate the cyclical nature of romantic relationships. The 'perfume of orange blossom' symbolizes the lingering memories and broken promises that have been carried away by the wind.

The song also reflects on the impact of this lost love on the narrator's life. The past is described as an 'eternal and old youth' that has left the narrator 'cowardly, like a bird without light.' This imagery conveys a sense of being trapped in the past, unable to move forward. The repeated questioning of 'Qué le habrán hecho mis manos?' (What have my hands done?) suggests a deep introspection and regret, as the narrator grapples with the pain and consequences of their actions. 'Naranjo En Flor' is a masterful blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth, capturing the essence of love's transient nature and the enduring scars it leaves behind.