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.
Besos brujos is a Tango written by Alfredo Malerba, Rodolfo Sciammarella and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.
The lyrics of “Besos brujos” depict a poignant and heart-wrenching dialogue where the narrator pleads for freedom from an oppressive and painful relationship. The repeated requests, “¡Déjame, no quiero que me beses!” (“Leave me, I don’t want you to kiss me!”), underscore a desperate need for liberation from the ‘bewitched kisses’ that bring only suffering and despair. It’s a story of longing for emancipation from a love that instead of bringing joy, inflicts only “chains of misfortune and pain.”
“Besos brujos,” or “bewitched kisses,” is laden with symbolism. The bewitched kisses represent a toxic romance that, despite its passionate exterior, causes deep emotional turmoil and suffering. This imagery of a cursed affection, one that the protagonist yearns to erase from their lips as if it were a genuine hex or spell, paints a vivid picture of the destructive nature of what was once perhaps considered enchanting. The repeated plea to stop the kissing and touching emphasizes the physical and emotional boundaries being overstepped, despite the lingering affection.
Recorded in Argentina in 1937, “Besos brujos” resonates with the social context of the time—a period marked by personal and political upheaval. During this era, Tango often mirrored societal sentiments, conveying themes of loss, nostalgia, and the pain of love. The song could be perceived as a reflection of the broader societal desire for liberation from the oppressive elements of the time, whether in personal relationships or broader political struggles. The choice of heavy, somber tones and the call for separation in the lyrics suggest a parallel to any Argentine yearning for change and freedom during a tumultuous period in history.
Alfredo Malerba and Rodolfo Sciammarella were prominent figures in the Argentine music scene, particularly noted for their contributions to the Tango genre during the early to mid-20th century. Malerba, also known as a pianist and the husband of famous tango singer Libertad Lamarque, collaborated with lyricist Sciammarella to create several enduring pieces, including “Besos brujos.”