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.
Cadenas is a Tango written by Luis Rubistein and composed by Luis Rubistein.
“Cadenas,” meaning “Chains” in English, is a deeply emotional expression of entrapment and despair in a toxic relationship. Luis Rubistein paints a vivid picture of a narrator who feels degraded and ruined by the actions of a deceptive and malicious partner. The protagonist compares himself unfavorably to his partner in terms of moral degradation and distance from spiritual sanctity. He recalls being led into a figurative swamp of infamy by following his partner, indicating a loss of self and moral compass.
The tango uses powerful symbolism to delve into the psychological impacts of a damaging relationship. Phrases such as “tan lejos de Dios, tan lejos de mí” symbolize his deep alienation not only from spiritual salvation but also from his own essence. The lyrics evoke images of devastation through phrases like “mis ojos que sangran de tanto llorar,” illustrating the physical manifestation of his emotional pain. The overall imagery of chains, implied through the title “Cadenas,” and the repeated visceral references to being bound or dragged down, highlights the entrapment experienced by the singer.
Recorded in 1959, “Cadenas” emerges at a time when tango music often reflected the intense socio-economic realities and personal struggles within Argentina. The nation’s fluctuating political landscape, coupled with social changes, provided a fertile ground for such emotionally intense narratives in tango lyrics. The theme of despair and disillusion resonates with the broader feelings of many citizens during this era, who perhaps felt betrayed or constrained by societal shifts or political turbulence.
Luis Rubistein was an Argentine tango composer and lyricist known for his emotionally rich compositions and profound lyricism.