Cuatro Corazones

Enrique Santos Discépolo's song 'Cuatro Corazones' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time, all set against the backdrop of the traditional milonga candombe. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea for the return of a bygone era, symbolized by the rhythm and essence of the milonga. This genre, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Argentina, serves as a metaphor for the artist's longing for the past and the emotional experiences that have shaped him.

The song opens with a tribute to the milonga, describing it as a cherished memory that has woven itself into the singer's life. The milonga's rhythm, characterized by the sounds of the hacha-taco and tamboril, is not just music but a living, breathing entity that holds the essence of the past. Discépolo's desire for the milonga to return to his life is a yearning for the simplicity and authenticity of earlier times, which, despite being 'nothing,' gave everything to the people and became a source of pride.

As the song progresses, it delves into the emotional turmoil of the singer's past. The milonga's voice brings back memories of love, betrayal, and passion, encapsulated in the metaphor of 'cuatro corazones'—four hearts that have left an indelible mark on his life. These hearts, representing significant relationships, have both enriched and scarred him, leaving deep emotional grooves that resurface with the milonga's rhythm. The song's closing lines suggest that the milonga is not just a musical form but the voice of the singer's past, a haunting reminder of what once was and what continues to shape his present.

'Cuatro Corazones' is a masterful blend of personal reflection and cultural homage, capturing the essence of human experience through the lens of traditional Argentine music. It speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory, all while celebrating the rich heritage of the milonga candombe.