Naranjo En Flor
Roberto Goyeneche
The Bittersweet Blossom of Love Lost: An Analysis of 'Naranjo En Flor'
The song 'Naranjo En Flor,' performed by the iconic Argentine tango singer Roberto Goyeneche, is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of a love that was once vibrant and alive, likened to a blossoming orange tree ('naranjo en flor'), but has since faded away, leaving behind a trail of sorrow and nostalgia. The song's narrator reflects on the process of falling in love and the inevitable heartache that can follow when that love is not sustained.
The phrase 'Primero hay que saber sufrir, Después amar, después partir' suggests a life lesson that one must first learn to endure suffering before they can truly love, and eventually, they must learn to let go. This cycle of suffering, loving, and parting is presented as an intrinsic part of the human experience. The recurring theme of the 'perfume de naranjo en flor' symbolizes the fleeting nature of love and the false promises that often accompany it, which disappear like scent on the wind.
The latter part of the song delves into the aftermath of this lost love. The narrator is stuck in the past, unable to move forward, and feels a profound sense of regret and cowardice, comparing themselves to a 'bird without light.' The song's melancholic tone is a testament to Goyeneche's ability to convey deep emotion through his music, and it resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet memories of a love that once was.