Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Arrabalero is a Tango written by Eduardo Calvo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.
“Arrabalero” translates to “slum dweller” in English, pointing to someone from the lower socio-economic neighborhoods of a city. The lyrics beautifully narrate the firsthand experiences and emotional testament of a woman deeply entrenched in the suburban life of Buenos Aires. She proudly embraces her identity as a beloved character of the neighborhood, celebrated and cherished for her authenticity and passion. She recounts her love story with a local “malevo” (a tough man), capturing the essence of love, devotion, and heartache within the societal and cultural framework of her community.
The lyrics of “Arrabalero” are rich with symbolic elements that underline the emotional and cultural contexts of the song. Phrases like “Soy la pebeta más rechiflada” (I am the craziest young woman) and “soy la percanta que fue querida” (I am the girl who was loved) symbolize strong personal identity and sentimental connection to her past. The recurrent mention of the “arrabal,” or slums, underscores a sense of belonging and the rough, yet genuine context of her background. The tango also uses the intimate relationship as a lens to express profound feelings like loyalty, love, and despair through vivid metaphors such as “llorará sangre por su traición” (will cry blood for his betrayal), depicting the depth of her emotional investment and anticipated grief.
“Arrabalero” was created in 1957, a period marked by social and political shifts in Argentina. The evocation of the Buenos Aires suburb, particularly through the “Puente Alsina,” links the song to specific local cultures and socio-economic settings. Puente Alsina, connecting Buenos Aires to its greater neighborhoods, symbolizes a bridge between different worlds, reflecting on the period’s social divides. During this era, tango often articulated themes of everyday struggles, love, and resilience, acting as a voice for those often marginal in the broader societal narrative.
Eduardo Calvo was a renowned lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for capturing the essence of urban life and romantic allure in his compositions.