Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Arrabalero

Arrabalero is a Tango written by Osvaldo Fresedo and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1927. Roberto Firpo has recorded Arrabalero as an instrumental Tango.
“Arrabalero,” translated into English as “From the Outskirts,” is a dance that echoes both rawness and resilience. It conjures the vibrant life of the urban fringes, where passion and grit blend seamlessly with melancholy. Each note tells a story of survival and love, capturing the spirit of a world shaped by longing and dreams unfulfilled.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Eduardo Calvo

Author

Osvaldo Fresedo

Composer

1927/3/10

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

Discover Other Orchestras

Miguel Caló – Melodía de arrabal – 1965/1/1
Miguel Caló – Por una cabeza – 1953/4/8
Miguel Caló – A las estrellas – 1963/6/7
Miguel Caló – Milonga que peina canas – 1942/9/9
Miguel Caló – Nadine – 1972/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Suite Troileana 3
Whisky – 1976/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – De mi bandoneon – 1947/6/23
Astor Piazzolla – Suite Troileana 1
Bandoneón – 1976/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Luz y sombra – 1955/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Boedo – 1957/1/1
Alfredo Gobbi – Adiós corazón – 1958/4/17
Alfredo Gobbi – No la traigas – 1949/7/25
Alfredo Gobbi – Calla – 1956/9/18
Alfredo Gobbi – Amémonos – 1948/1/31
Alfredo Gobbi – La viruta – 1947/5/16
Armando Pontier – Araca París – 1960/4/28
Armando Pontier – Para siempre – 1967/2/3
Armando Pontier – Si se salva el pibe – 1968/4/29
Armando Pontier – Extraño – 1966/12/23
Armando Pontier – El pescante – 1968/9/23

Recommended

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.

Arrabalero recorded by other Orchestras

Arrabalero recorded by other Orchestras

1927/3/10 – Trovas galanas – Roberto Firpo
1927/3/10 – Rezongos – Roberto Firpo
1927/3/10 – Dicha pasada – Roberto Firpo
1927/3/12 – La violetera – Carlos Gardel
1927/3/12 – Por donde andara – Carlos Gardel
Arrabalero – 1927/3/23 – Osvaldo Fresedo – Instrumental
Arrabalero – 1939/4/24 – Osvaldo Fresedo – Instrumental
Arrabalero – 1959/1/28 – Osvaldo Fresedo – Blanca Mooney
Arrabalero – 1957/4/29 – Alfredo De Angelis – Oscar Larroca
Arrabalero – 1927/3/10 – Roberto Firpo – Instrumental

Letra del Tango Arrabalero

Soy la pebeta más rechiflada

que en el suburbio pasó la vida;

soy la percanta que fue querida

de aquel malevo que la amuró.

Soy el orgullo del barrio entero,

tengo una efe que es mi ilusión,

pues soy criolla, soy milonguera,

quiero a mi hombre de corazón.



En un bulín mistongo

del arrabal porteño,

lo conocí en un sueño,

le di mi corazón.

Supe que era malevo,

lo quise con locura,

sufrí por su ventura

con santa devoción.

Ahora, aunque me faje,

purrete arrabalero,

ya sabe que lo quiero

con toda mi ilusión,

y que soy toda suya,

que suyo es mi cariño,

que nuestro será el niño

obra del metejón.



Por ser derecha tengo un machito

arrabalero de Puente Alsina;

se juega entero por esta mina

porque la sabe de corazón.

Pero si un día llega a engañarme

como hacen otros con sus mujeres,

esta percanta que ríe y canta

llorará sangre por su traición.

English lyrics of the Tango "Arrabalero"

I’m the craziest girl around,
who lived her life in the suburbs;
I’m the woman who was loved
by that tough guy who charmed her.
I’m the pride of the whole neighborhood,
I’ve got a scar that’s my dream,
cause I’m native, I’m a dancer,
I love my man wholeheartedly.

In a humble room
of the Buenos Aires outskirts,
I met him in a dream,
I gave him my heart.
I knew he was a tough guy,
I loved him madly,
I suffered for his happiness
with holy devotion.
Now, even though he scolds me,
kid from the slums,
he knows I love him
with all my heart,
and that I’m all his,
his is my affection,
and ours will be the child
born of our deep love.

Being straight, I have a guy
from the slum of Puente Alsina;
he’s wholly committed to this girl
because he knows her by heart.
But if one day he cheats on me
like others do with their women,
this woman who laughs and sings
will cry tears of blood for his betrayal.

Arrabalero by Eduardo Calvo

Arrabalero is a Tango written by Eduardo Calvo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.



Story behind the Tango Arrabalero

The lyrics of “Arrabalero” narrate the life and emotions of a woman, deeply embedded in the suburban, working-class culture of Buenos Aires. This woman, self-described as ‘la pebeta más rechiflada’ which can be translated as “the craziest young girl,” portrays herself as proud and passionate, having been the love interest of a local tough, or ‘malevo’. Through her story, the song captures the essence of arrabal life – the urban fringe lifestyle characterized by its unique blend of hardship, love, and neighborhood pride.



Symbolism of Arrabalero

The recurring theme of being ‘arrabalero’, which translates to something akin to ‘streetwise’ or ‘from the neighborhood’ in English, symbolizes a deep-seated identity pride and cultural belonging. The neighborhood, perhaps a character in itself, is a backdrop where loyalty, love, and personal valor are displayed. Phrases like “soy el orgullo del barrio entero” and “quiero a mi hombre de corazón” emphasize loyalty and wholehearted love, highlighting strong personal and communal values prevailing in the arrabal.



Arrabalero in historic Context

Set in 1927, “Arrabalero” reflects the socioeconomic conditions of Buenos Aires, where the suburban areas, often referred to as ‘arrabales’, were populated by working-class families. These neighborhoods were melting pots of culture, passion, and sometimes conflict, frequently represented in the Tango music of the era. The mention of specific localities like “Puente Alsina,” a known area in Buenos Aires, roots the song in real places that resonate with historical and cultural significance. This backdrop is not just geographical but also temporal, capturing the essence of the Roaring Twenties in Argentina, a time marked by significant social changes and the golden age of tango.



Eduardo Calvo

Eduardo Calvo, an influential lyricist in the Tango genre, was known for his ability to capture the raw emotions and stories of everyday people in his compositions.