Song commentary
&
lyric translation
The story of Vida mía
A love song by Fresedo, and a beautiful one, filled with melancholy and hope. One that will make your winter evenings warm and cosy.
The melodious Vida mía (You’re my life) is amongst Osvaldo (and Emilio) Fresedo’s most famous tangos. A beautiful love song.
Being born in Buenos Aires to a wealthy family definitely influenced Fresedo’s art: his orchestra, refined and aristocratic, was the favourite of upper circles. However, the neighbourhood he grew up in equally had a bearing on him – when he was ten, his family surprisingly decided to move to La Paternal, a humble suburban neighbourhood. There he started playing the bandoneon and became acquainted with tango.
During his career, the longest one in tango history (over 1,250 recordings over 63 years), Fresedo was known as El pibe de La Paternal, the kid from La Paternal.
Contrary to some of his other songs such as Arrabalero, which deal with the struggle of life in the Arrabales, the poor neighbourhoods surrounding Buenos Aires, Vida Mia is a love song. It tells the story of two lovers who’ve been apart and his journey as he walks back to see her again. Unlike most tango songs, it is not a tale of lost love, but a hopeful story of thriving love.
This song has been translated by Tanguito, Argentine Tango Academy. We hope you enjoy this translation. If you have any comments, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
Old school milongueros say it’s easier to fully interpret a tango song when you know the lyrics. So, we have translated and commented over 35 of the most beautiful and famous tango songs. Browse our translations and enjoy the stronger connexion with the music.
And if you are tempted to join us, why not try our Argentine tango classes in London or browse our library of online classes?
The song
Vida mía lyrics
in Spanish & English
Vida míaSiempre igual es el camino |
My lifeAlways the same is the path |
| Y este verde suelo, donde crece el cardo lejos toca el cielo cerca de mi amor… Y de cuando en cuando un nido para que lo envidie yo. |
And this green land, where thistles grow tall, reaching towards the sky reaching out to my love… And here and there, a nest that taunts me and that fills me with jalousy. |
| Vida mía, lejos mas te quiero. Vida mía, piensa en mi regreso. Se que el oro no tendrá tus besos, y es por eso que te quiero más. Vida mía, hasta apuro el aliento acercando el momento de acariciar felicidad. Sos mi vida y quisiera llevarte a mi lado prendida y así ahogar mi soledad. |
My life, from afar I love you even more, My life, think about me coming back. I know that gold will not match your kisses, and for that, I love you more. My life, I breathe even faster as the moment of happiness is closer at hand. You are my life and I’d love to have you pinned by my side, to drown my loneliness. |
| Ya parece que la huella va perdiendo su color y saliendo las estrellas dan al cielo todo su esplendor. Y de poco a poco luces que titilan dan severo tono mientras huye el sol. De esas luces que yo veo ella una la encendió. |
It looks like the track is already fading out and as they come out, the stars give the sky all its splendour. And little by little the twinkling lights give a harsh tone while the sun escapes. Of all the lights I see, one of them she lit. |
