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.
Arrabalero is a Tango written by Eduardo Calvo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.
“Arrabalero” tells the tale of a passionate and spirited young woman from the suburbs who experiences life and love with fervent devotion. The lyrics describe her relationship with a “malevo,” a term often associated with a tough man or outlaw, illuminating her fearless and intense emotional investment in their connection. Her narrative embodies a blend of pride, love, and eventual sorrow, capturing the complexities of romantic engagements in the less affluent neighborhoods of Buenos Aires.
The song uses vivid imagery and symbols of loyalty and belonging, particularly seen in references to suburbia, or “arrabal,” which reflects a specific socio-cultural context grounded in the outskirts of argentinian society. Terms like “la pebeta,” “percanta,” and “malevo” are not merely descriptive but carry emotional weight, illustrating characters full of life, intertwined with the cultural fabric of Tango. Phrases such as “sufri por su ventura con santa devoción” (suffered for his fortune with holy devotion) and “llorará sangre por su traición” (will cry blood for his betrayal) enhance the emotional intensity, suggesting a narrative steeped in dramatic love and intense loyalty.
In 1959, when “Arrabalero” was written, Argentina was experiencing significant political and cultural shifts. This period, set against a backdrop of evolving social dynamics, was crucial for the thematic exploration of Tango lyrics. The focus on the suburban life and the gritty realities faced by its inhabitants mirrored the societal undercurrents of the time, encapsulating themes of passion, struggle, and resilience inherent in the local culture. The mention of specific locations like “Puente Alsina,” a known neighborhood, provides a tangible connection to the geographical context, grounding the song’s narratives in identifiable real-world settings.
Eduardo Calvo was a renowned lyricist whose contributions to the Tango genre encapsulate deep emotional narratives and cultural reflections.