Adiós Chantecler

Adiós Chantecler is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1958. The Tango Adiós Chantecler is written by Enrique Cadícamo, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Adiós Chantecler with the singer Jorge Valdez.

“Adiós Chantecler,” translated to English as “Goodbye Chantecler,” paints a poignant farewell wrapped in the embrace of nostalgia. The name evokes the bittersweet parting from a beloved place or cherished moments that once echoed with life and laughter. As the melody unfolds, it becomes a dance of memory, bidding farewell yet celebrating the vibrant past.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Jorge Valdez

Singer

Enrique Cadícamo

Author

Enrique Cadícamo

Composer

1958/11/19

Date

Jorge Valdez

Juan D’Arienzo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Adiós Chantecler

This is the translation of the Tango “Adiós Chantecler” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Adiós Chantecler” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Adiós Chantecler

Te redujo a escombros la fría piqueta

y, al pasar de noche mirando tus ruinas,

este milonguero se siente poeta

y a un tango muy triste le pone sordina.

Entre aquellas rojas cortinas de pana,

de tus palcos altos que ahora no están,

se asomaba siempre madama Ricana

cubierta de alhajas, bebiendo champán.

Entre risas alegres y chistes,

siempre estaba apenada René,

y de verla tan linda y tan triste

fue por eso que me enamoré.

Hoy ni ella está más en la sala,

ni tampoco entro yo al cabaret,

se vinieron abajo tus galas

bullanguero y cordial Chantecler.

En la noches bravas que el tango era un rito,

vibraba la sala con ritmo nervioso,

porque en ese entonces estaba Juancito

tallando en su orquesta su estilo famoso.

Ya no queda nada y aquello no existe,

ni tus bailarines ni tu varieté.

Te veo muy triste pasar silencioso,

Príncipe Cubano, frente al Chantecler.

English lyrics of the Tango "Adiós Chantecler"

The cold pickaxe reduced you to rubble,
and, passing by night, looking at your remains,
this milonguero feels like a poet
and muffles a very sad tango.

Among those red velvet curtains,
from your high boxes that are now gone,
Madame Ricana always peered out,
adorned with jewels, drinking champagne.

Amidst cheerful laughter and jokes,
René was always sorrowful,
and seeing her so beautiful and so sad,
it was for that reason that I fell in love.
Today neither she is in the hall,
nor do I enter the cabaret,
your fineries have collapsed,
bustling and cordial Chantecler.

On wild nights when tango was a rite,
the hall vibrated with a nervous rhythm,
because back then Juancito was there,
carving his famous style into his orchestra.
Nothing remains and that no longer exists,
neither your dancers nor your variety show.
I see you very sad, passing silently,
Cuban Prince, in front of Chantecler.

Adiós Chantecler by Enrique Cadícamo

Adiós Chantecler is a Tango written and composed by Enrique Cadícamo.

Story behind the Tango Adiós Chantecler

“Adiós Chantecler” mourns the death of an era, represented by the demolition of a venue, perhaps the Chantecler cabaret in Buenos Aires, once a vibrant center of tango culture. The lyrics describe the melancholic feeling as the onlooker, a former patron turned introspective poet, contemplates the ruins. The tango’s mournful melody likely complements the sense of loss and nostalgia for the joyous days past. Key phrases such as “redujo a escombros” (reduced to rubble) and “se siente poeta” (feels like a poet) highlight the transformation of physical loss into emotional and creative depth.

Symbolism of Adiós Chantecler

The symbolic use of “fría piqueta” (cold pickaxe) emphasizes the harsh nature of change, an interruption of life that was once warm with music and laughter. Through vivid contrasts, such as the grandeur of Madama Ricana and the melancholy of René, Cadícamo depicts the cabaret as a place of layered emotions, each adding depth to the sentimental landscape of the tango. Furthermore, the recurring references to the cultural rites of tango and the notable personalities like Juancito, lend the lyrics a nostalgic air, longing for a resurging past that can only live in memory and song.