Casas Viejas

Francisco Canaro's 'Casas Viejas' is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitable changes it brings, set against the backdrop of old houses that once brimmed with life. The song begins by questioning who lived in these ancient homes, invoking images of old patios tinged with the color of dampness, and nights filled with love stories. These houses, once illuminated by moonlight and brightened by sunlight, now await their demise, likened to cattle led to slaughter without a farewell. This powerful metaphor highlights the silent, resigned destruction of historical and emotional heritage in the face of modernization.

As the lyrics progress, Canaro mourns the disappearance of these cherished old houses, suggesting that their time has ended with the arrival of industrial noise and demands. The relentless march of progress, represented by the roar of engines, dictates their eradication. This theme of loss extends beyond the physical to the emotional realm, questioning the fate of the love and secrets once housed within these walls. The song laments the transient nature of human experiences, paralleling the physical disappearance of the houses with the fading memories of past affections and whispered promises.

Ultimately, 'Casas Viejas' serves as a melancholic ode to the forgotten corners of our lives, where love and history once flourished. Canaro uses the destruction of old homes as a symbol for the broader erasure of personal and collective histories in the rush towards modernity. The song is a call to remember and honor these lost places and moments before they vanish into the light of contemporary life, just as shadows disappear at dawn.