Discos de Gardel
Horacio Sanguinetti
Nostalgia and Heartache in 'Discos de Gardel'
Horacio Sanguinetti's song 'Discos de Gardel' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the bittersweet memories evoked by listening to old records of Carlos Gardel, the legendary tango singer. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary life that finds solace in the music of the past. The protagonist's sadness and loneliness are momentarily alleviated when he listens to Gardel's records on the victrola, a vintage record player. The tangos of yesteryear bring back memories of faded loves and bygone days, making the listener almost forget the passage of time and the gray hairs that mark it.
The song is rich with emotional depth, as it references specific tangos like 'Cicatrices,' 'Nunca más,' and 'Un tropezón,' each carrying its own weight of sorrow and reflection. The mention of 'No te engañes, corazón' adds a layer of bitter emotion, reminding the listener of the pain and disillusionment that often accompany love. The sentimental voice singing 'Mi Buenos Aires querido' serves as a trigger for a flood of memories, bringing back the protagonist's past experiences and old wounds from a lost love. Each tango leaves its mark, each one a star in the protagonist's personal constellation of memories.
The old records not only bring back personal memories but also evoke a sense of place and time. The lyrics mention 'calles viejas y barrosas' (old and muddy streets) and 'el barrio del ayer' (the neighborhood of yesterday), painting a picture of a bygone era that the heart has almost forgotten. The pale song with warm emotion transports the listener to the shadows of another time, a handful of faded memories that resurface from the depths of oblivion. The song captures the essence of nostalgia, longing for a past that can never return, and the faces that will never be seen again.