Caserón de tejas

“Caserón de tejas” by Cátulo Castillo is a poignant tango that delves deep into the themes of nostalgia and the passage of time. The song is a heartfelt reminiscence of the artist's childhood, set in the Belgrano neighborhood, characterized by its iconic tile-roofed houses. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing for the simpler, more innocent times spent with family, particularly the narrator's sister, in their old home.

The song opens with a vivid recollection of warm nights spent on the sidewalk, where the sound of a nearby train would stir up old, rare longings. This imagery sets the tone for the entire piece, painting a picture of a time when life was uncomplicated and filled with familial warmth. The mention of the grandfather's stories during sweet siestas and the tender melodies of a waltz played on the piano in a darkened room further enhances this sense of nostalgia. These memories are described as clear and good, akin to a fairy tale, highlighting the idealized view of the past.

As the song progresses, the narrator calls upon these memories to come alive once more, urging his sister to play the piano again. This act is seen as a way to revive the past, to relive the distant story that their mother calls them to. The repeated questioning of where the well, patios, and bars of the old house have gone underscores the inevitable changes brought by time. Yet, through the melodies of the piano, the narrator believes they can recapture the clarity and warmth of their childhood home.

The song's emotional core lies in its exploration of how memories and music can bridge the gap between past and present. The sister's smile, which once comforted the narrator in times of sorrow, and the grandfather's stories are seen as timeless elements that can be revived through the simple act of playing the piano. This underscores the enduring power of familial bonds and the comforting nature of shared memories, even as the physical world around them changes.