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Bandera baja

Bandera baja is a Milonga written by Héctor Varela and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1950. The Milonga Bandera baja is written by Héctor Varela, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Bandera baja with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Bandera Baja,” or “Lowered Flag,” whispers a tale of quiet surrender. In the gentle embrace of its melody, it speaks of a heart relinquishing its burdens, yielding to the tender gravity of acceptance. As the notes dance softly, they weave a tapestry of introspection, where letting go becomes a silent act of strength.

Milonga

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Carlos Waiss

Author

Héctor Varela

Composer

1950/5/5

Date

Alberto Echagüe
Alberto Echagüe
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

Discover Other Orchestras

Osmar Maderna – Canción desesperada – 1946/1/1
Osmar Maderna – Inspiración – 1950/2/2
Osmar Maderna – Concierto en la luna – 1946/9/24
Osmar Maderna – Felicia – 1947/7/31
Osmar Maderna – Lluvia de estrellas – 1948/6/24
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Nocturno a mi barrio – 1969/7/30
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – La cumparsita – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Los mareados – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Sobre el pucho (Un callejón en Pompeya) – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Milonguero triste – 1969/7/30
Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) – Canaro en París – 1960/1/1
Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) – Gran Hotel Victoria (Hotel Victoria) – 1964/1/1
Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) – Taquito militar – 1964/1/1
Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) – Mal de amores – 1960/1/1
Quinteto Real (Horacio Salgán) – Felicia – 1960/1/1
Pedro Laurenz – No me extraña – 1940/1/25
Pedro Laurenz – Mendocina – 1944/12/19
Pedro Laurenz – Que nunca me falte – 1943/9/22
Pedro Laurenz – A mi dejame en mi barrio – 1942/10/20
Pedro Laurenz – Abandono (Amarguras) – 1937/9/24

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.

1950/5/5 – Cruz Maidana – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Bien Pulenta – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – El internado – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Canaro en Paris – Juan D-Arienzo
1950/5/5 – Seguime si podes – Juan D-Arienzo

Lyrics Translation of the Milonga Bandera baja

This is the translation of the Milonga “Bandera baja” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Milonga “Bandera baja” have been done with AI.

Letra del Milonga Bandera baja

Creyendo sobrar de lejos
Pasaste ayer muy diquera,
Abrazada a un gil cualquiera
Pelado, cayorda y viejo.
Al mirarme en ese espejo
Te tuve que dar mancada,
Que venías enganchada
Ahí nomás, desde la esquina,
Igual que un Ford que patina
Con la bandera bajada.

Al verte andar en la rueda
Juné tu canasta curda,
Y me frunció el de la zurda
Tu cimbrear por la vereda.
Te he tratado como seda
Te quise hacer algo gente,
Pero la calle Corrientes
Te enganchó de grupo un día,
Y hoy te llena la alcancía
Con moneditas de veinte.

Hoy sé que tenés un socio
Que apura, labura y chilla,
Que te cuenta las costillas
Y siempre dice que es poco.
Le acusás a diario el toco
Sos fija que no se manca,
El vivo la va de banca
Por él, vos te vas a pique,
Porque una noche de gripe
Te refregó Untura blanca.

Dejate de darme dique
Si soy un gil bien debute,
Soy pa´ vos un farabute
Porque sos viva y sos piola.
Bien sé que tu vida rola
Igual que si fuera un yuyo,
Hoy tenés un hombre ducho
Que te lava hasta la ropa,
Mientras yo olvido entre copas
Que te adoré mucho, mucho.

English lyrics of the Milonga "Bandera baja"

Believing yourself above, from afar
Yesterday you passed so prim,
Hugged to some random fool
Bald, shabby, and old.
Seeing myself in that mirror
I realized you were caught,
Right then, from the corner,
Just like a Ford skidding
With its flag lowered.

Seeing you walk in the circle
I spotted your drunken stupor,
And the left one cringed at
Your swaying on the sidewalk.
I treated you like silk
Wanted to make you something decent,
But Corrientes street
Hooked you one day,
And now fills your piggy bank
With twenty-cent coins.

Today I know you have a partner
Who rushes, works, and yells,
Counts your ribs
And always says it’s not enough.
You report to him daily
Sure that he won’t fail,
The clever one plays the bank
For him, you’re heading downhill,
Because one night of flu
He rubbed you with white ointment.

Stop giving me excuses
If I’m just a simple fool,
I’m a crook to you
Because you’re sharp and street-wise.
I well know your life rolls
Just like a weed,
Today you have a seasoned man
Who even washes your clothes,
While I forget over drinks
How much I adored you.

Bandera baja by Carlos Waiss

Bandera baja is a Tango written by Carlos Waiss and composed by Héctor Varela.



Story behind the Tango Bandera baja

The tango “Bandera baja” vividly narrates a tale of disillusionment and lost love. Through the lyrics, the listener encounters a scorned lover reflecting on the transformation of his beloved—from a cherished partner to someone who now seeks material comfort in the arms of another. This narrative sets a somber and reflective tone, exploring themes of betrayal, socio-economic desperation, and the impact of harsh realities on personal relationships.



Symbolism of Bandera baja

The title “Bandera baja,” translating to “lowered flag” in English, symbolizes defeat and surrender. Throughout the tango, this metaphor extends to the emotional state of the protagonist who feels defeated in love, witnessing his former lover’s moral decline for material gain. The lines “Te he tratado como seda, Te quise hacer algo gente, Pero la calle Corrientes Te enganchó de grupo un día” suggest the lover’s efforts to uplift her, only to be thwarted by the allure of Corrientes Street—known for its vibrant urban life, possibly symbolizing temptation or corruption.



Bandera baja in Historic Context

Recorded in 1950, “Bandera baja” reflects post-World War II Argentina, a period marked by significant social and economic changes. The influence of the bustling streets like Corrientes in Buenos Aires on the country’s cultural life is evident. During this era, tango often commented on everyday struggles, mirroring the societal transition and the personal conflicts intertwined with broader economic hardships. The lyrics capture a snapshot of this era, emphasizing the stark realities faced by individuals navigating changes in social values and economic survival.



Carlos Waiss

Carlos Waiss was a notable lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for capturing the essence of urban life and complex human emotions through his poignant lyrics.