Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.
Amigazo is a Tango written by Juan Velich and composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto.
“Amigazo” captures a dramatic tale of betrayal, revenge, and emotional turmoil. The lyrics recount an episode where the singer, feeling betrayed by a close friend (“amigazo”) who made romantic advances towards his beloved, reacts with violent jealousy. The song begins with the narrator feeling as though a cloud passes over his eyes—a metaphor for sudden, blinding distress. His reaction to witnessing the betrayal is impulsive and led by deep-seated feelings of honor and betrayal, culminating in stabbing (“achuré”) his betrayer. Following this act, the lyrics explore the protagonist’s continuing struggle with his conscience and his attempts to find solace in communal drinking (“¡Chupemos juntos!”) to forget his pain.
The tango uses powerful symbols to amplify emotional depth. A “nube en los ojos” (cloud in the eyes) illustrates confusion and blinding emotion, typical of intense grief or anger. The act of “achuré,” a local slang for stabbing, signifies the irreversible actions taken in the heat of passion. The repeated calls to “chupemos juntos” (let’s drink together) illustrate the desperate attempt to drown sorrows and share burdens within a community, a common theme in tango that underscores the collective coping with personal grief. “La chuza del dolor” (the spear of pain) is a poignant metaphor for enduring emotional pain, vividly portraying how deeply the narrator is affected.
Created in Argentina in 1963, “Amigazo” emerges during a period rich in political and social upheaval. The themes of betrayal and personal honor echo the broader societal context of distrust and tension characteristic of Argentina in the mid-20th century. The era saw a profound influence on the cultural output, particularly in music and literature, where expressions of personal turmoil often paralleled national sentiments. The setting also suggests a connection to the “gaucho” culture, evident from references to traditional terms like “facón” (a large knife typically used by gauchos), emblematic of Argentine identity and its associated values of bravery and retribution.
Juan Velich, while not as internationally recognized as some of his contemporaries, was a noteworthy contributor to the tango genre, often exploring themes of deep emotion and personal strife.