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.
Barrio pobre is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Vicente Belvedere.
The lyrics of “Barrio pobre” reminisce about a humble neighborhood, which the narrator identifies deeply with their past. It paints a nostalgic picture of simplicities and emotional ties with the neighborhood’s people and events. Notably, the verses tell of the narrator’s close connection to this modest barrio through significant elements such as a treasured love and shared celebrations. The portrayal of straightforward lives centered around manual labor and love highlights an emotional depth associated with personal and collective memories.
The song employs vivid symbols to evoke feelings of nostalgia and loss. The ‘ventanita’ (small window) symbolizes the modest gateway through which the narrator experienced love—its closure indicative of lost love or opportunities. The ‘clavelina’ (carnation), a bright and enduring flower, represents the enduring yet delicate nature of past affection. The neighborhood itself symbolizes a cradle of purity and sincerity from which the narrator has been involuntarily uprooted. The phrase “barrio…barrio pobre, estoy contigo” signifies emotional solidarity with his past, stubbornly clinging to the simplicity and honesty he associates with his roots.
“Barrio pobre” was written during a period marked by significant social and political changes in Argentina. It was common during the mid-20th century for artists to reflect on societal themes, often addressing issues of inequity and nostalgia for a simpler past. The neighborhood setting likely mirrors typical working-class barrios of Argentina, where community bonds were strong amidst economic hardships. Thus, the lyrics not only reflect the personal story of the narrator but also resonate with a broader audience familiar with the struggles and solidarity typical of poor neighborhoods.
Francisco García Jiménez was an influential Argentine lyricist and writer known for his poignant and impactful lyrics in the Tango genre.