Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
Araca la cana is a Tango written by Mario Rada and composed by Enrique Delfino.
The lyrics of “Araca la cana” narrate a tale of emotional entrapment and unexpected vulnerability. The narrator starts by expressing surprise and distress, denoted by the phrase “¡Araca la cana!” which roughly translates to “Watch out, the police!” or “Beware!” in a metaphorical sense, indicating an internal warning of danger. He is captivated by a pair of dark eyes described as “deep, dark, and fierce,” which possess the power to harm just by their gaze. This sudden enthrallment leads to fear and a sense of betrayal by his own heart, which has failed him in the face of these mesmerizing eyes.
In the song, “¡Araca la cana!” and the ensnaring gaze of the dark eyes symbolize unexpected dangers that can captivate and overpower an individual. The eyes are described using sharp, menacing imagery like “with steel glints that are going to kill,” which enhances the theme of fatal attraction. These eyes are not just a romantic allure but a dangerous trap, marking a stark transformation for the narrator from a tough, daring individual to one overtaken by fear and vulnerability. The narrator’s reference to engaging fearlessly in numerous past encounters juxtaposes his current situation where a mere look has incapacitated him.
“Araca la cana” was recorded in 1933, a period in Argentine history marked by political and social upheaval. The Tango, deeply embedded in Argentine culture, often mirrored the emotions and daily experiences of the common people. In this period of instability, expressions like “Araca la cana” could have resonated with the populace, symbolizing caution and alertness in times of uncertainty. The song uses the metaphor of being arrested by a gaze to perhaps subtly comment on the oppressive ambiance of the era, where one had to be constantly wary, much like walking on treacherous grounds.
Mario Rada was a lyricist known for his contributions to the Tango music genre, deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of Argentina.