As the title number of the 1935 film, “El día que me quieras” became an instant classic and added yet another immortal hit to the repertoire of Carlos Gardel. With its recitative opening and interlude, the song hearkens to the tango’s most conspicuous inspiration: the arias of Italian opera. In the film, Gardel’s performance even includes a brief duet with co-star Rosita Moreno, which is linked below.
THE DAY YOU EVER LOVE ME
(Tr. Jake Spatz)
YouTube: Carlos Gardel & Rosita Moreno
[Intro]
It’s toying with my daydreams,
That gentle little music
That murmurs in your sighs...
What’s life made of but laughter
When you show me all the darkling
Attention of your eyes!
And when I find my haven
Within your little chuckle
That’s like a lullaby—
Then all the pains that grind me,
They’re hushed and left behind me...
The day you ever love me,
The beautifying roses
Shall dress for celebration
And show their deepest hue.
And with the breezes blowing
The bells will say you’re mine now,
And in love the fountains flowing
Shall all be crazy too.
The night you ever love me,
From in the blue of heaven
The stars will shine with envy
To watch us passing by.
And the mystery of a moonbeam
Shall nestle in your hair,
Curious fireflies come out to see
You’re the answer to my prayer.
[Spoken]
The day you ever love me
There will be nothing but harmony.
The dawn shall brighten clear
And happy run the springs.
The quiet breeze shall bear us
Murmurs of a tune.
And crystal shall the water
Hail us as it sings.
The day you ever love me
The songbird shall be warbling
Softer than before.
Life shall break into flower,
Sorrow shall be no more.
The night you ever love me,
From in the blue of heaven
The stars will shine with envy
To watch us passing by.
And the mystery of a moonbeam
Shall nestle in your hair,
Curious fireflies come out to see
You’re the answer to my prayer.
EL DÍA QUE ME QUIERAS (1935)
Music: Carlos Gardel
Lyrics: Alfredo Le Pera
[Intro]
Acaricia mi ensueño
el suave murmullo
de tu suspirar.
Como rie la vida
si tus ojos negros
me quieren mirar.
Y si es mio el amparo
de tu risa leve
que es como un cantar,
ella aquieta mi herida,
todo, todo se olvida.
El día que me quieras
la rosa que engalana,
se vestirá de fiesta
con su mejor color.
Y al viento las campanas
dirán que ya eres mía,
y locas las fontanas
se contaran su amor.
La noche que me quieras
desde el azul del cielo,
las estrellas celosas
nos mirarán pasar.
Y un rayo misterioso
hara nido en tu pelo,
luciernagas curiosas que veran
que eres mi consuelo.
[Hablado]
El día que me quieras
no habra más que armonía.
Será clara la aurora
y alegre el manantial.
Traerá quieta la brisa
rumor de melodía.
Y nos daran las fuentes
su canto de cristal.
El día que me quieras
endulzara sus cuerdas
el pajaro cantor.
Florecerá la vida
no existira el dolor.
La noche que me quieras
desde el azul del cielo,
las estrellas celosas
nos mirarán pasar.
Y un rayo misterioso
hará nido en tu pelo.
Luciernaga curiosa que vera
que eres mi consuelo.