Romance de Barrio

The song "Romance de Barrio" by Homero Manzi is a poignant tango that delves into the themes of love, loss, and regret. The lyrics tell the story of a love affair that begins with the hopeful innocence of a first meeting in April, under a dark balcony and in an old garden, symbolizing the blossoming of new love. The subsequent exchange of feverishly written letters, filled with contradictions of denial and affirmation, reflects the intensity and confusion often found in the throes of passion.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the romance has ended in pain, a common narrative in tango music, which frequently explores the darker side of love. The lovers are left to deal with the aftermath of a relationship that has fallen apart due to unspecified faults, which they both had to endure. The lyrics express a deep sense of regret and longing, as the singer laments the inability to forget and the cruelty of a farewell filled with spite. The repeated references to the initial meeting place and the letters serve as a painful reminder of what once was and what has been irretrievably lost.

The song concludes with a reflection on the passage of time, as the memories of the love affair return 'defeated,' bringing back the blame that both parties had to bear. The use of the word 'ceniza,' meaning 'ashes,' signifies that the once vibrant love has been reduced to nothing but the ashes of time. The haunting melody and evocative lyrics of "Romance de Barrio" capture the essence of tango as a dance and music genre that often portrays the melancholic and dramatic aspects of love and life.