Caserón de Tejas

María Graña's 'Caserón de Tejas' is a poignant tribute to the past, filled with nostalgia and longing for simpler times. The song is set in the Belgrano neighborhood, a historic area in Buenos Aires, and revolves around a 'caserón de tejas'—a large, old house with a tiled roof. The lyrics evoke warm memories of childhood, family, and the comforting routines of daily life. The mention of 'tibias noches' (warm nights) and 'la templanza suave del rosal' (the gentle temperance of the rosebush) paints a picture of a serene and idyllic past, where even the sound of a nearby train brings a sense of rare, old-fashioned longing.

The song's narrative is deeply personal, addressing a sister and recalling shared experiences. The 'pianito de la sala oscura' (the little piano in the dark room) becomes a symbol of familial love and the passage of time. The piano's music, described as 'sangraba la pura ternura de un vals' (bled the pure tenderness of a waltz), serves as a conduit for reliving cherished moments. The lyrics suggest that through music, the past can be revived, and the comforting presence of family members, like the grandfather and mother, can be felt once more.

'Caserón de Tejas' also touches on the inevitable changes brought by time. The repeated question, '¿Dónde está el aljibe, dónde están tus patios, dónde están tus rejas?' (Where is the well, where are your patios, where are your bars?), underscores a sense of loss and the transformation of familiar places. Yet, despite these changes, the song holds onto the hope that through the act of playing the piano, the 'días claros del hogar' (clear days of home) can be relived. This blend of melancholy and hope makes 'Caserón de Tejas' a deeply moving piece that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of nostalgia for a bygone era.