During Argentina’s military dictatorship in the 1970s, the song was officially . Authorities feared its message of "hope" (esperanza) and its popularity among the youth.

The song is in A minor (or relative C major), common time (4/4), with typical zamba rhythm.

Before diving into the sheet music, it’s crucial to understand the genre. The Argentine zamba is not the Brazilian samba; it is a slow, graceful, and ceremonial dance in . It features a distinctive introduction, a "vuelta" (turn), and a lyrical, melancholic character.