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.
Cafetín de Buenos Aires is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discépolo and composed by Mariano Mores.
“Cafetín de Buenos Aires” captures the nostalgic essence of Buenos Aires’s small cafes or “cafetines”, which serve as pivotal social hubs. The lyrics delve into the narrator’s memories of growing up with dreams shaped in the modest yet vibrant atmosphere of these cafetines. With a poignant tone, Discépolo recounts learning about life’s harsh realities and joys in these spaces, symbolizing both personal refuge and collective memory.
In the lyrics, Discépolo reminisces about looking from outside as a child—at things that seemed unattainable—and traces his journey of learning and experiencing life, surrounded by philosophers and dreamers who frequented these establishments. The cafetín becomes a sanctuary that provided him not just with physical sustenance but with life lessons and friendships.
The cafetin itself symbolizes a nurturing mother, an emblematic figure that offered compassion and learning. When Discépolo draws the parallel between the cafetín and his mother, saying it is the only thing in life resembling her, it highlights the profound emotional connection and sense of belonging these establishments fostered in their patrons. Phrases like “en tu mezcla milagrosa de sabihondos y suicidas, yo aprendí filosofía…” (in your miraculous mix of wise men and suicides, I learned philosophy…) underline the depth of experiences and the spectrum of narratives found within its walls. The cafetin is not just a physical space but a complex symbol of community, learning, and refuge embedded in the Argentine psyche.
“Cafetín de Buenos Aires” emerged at a time in Argentine history when society faced numerous political and social transformations. Recorded in 1967, during a backdrop of political unrest and cultural shifts, the tango evokes a yearning for simpler, more stable times. Cafetines, as settings for informal discussions and philosophical debates, represented mini-cultural havens that contrasted sharply with the turbulence outside. The streets and personalities mentioned—such as José, Marcial, and Abel—could be real individuals or archetypes representing the regular patrons whose stories permeate through these local joints, adding to the song’s depth and cultural relevancy.
Enrique Santos Discépolo was an iconic Argentine musician, playwright, and composer, who is renowned for his poignant and influential tangos that often captured the socio-political undercurrents of his times.
In works like “Cafetín de Buenos Aires”, his mastery in weaving complex emotions with socio-cultural narratives shines through, making him a beloved figure in Argentine cultural history.