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.
Callejera is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Fausto Frontera.
The lyrics of “Callejera” narrate the journey of a woman whose lifestyle reflects her choices between glamour and reality. The central theme touches on themes of youth, beauty, and the inevitable passage of time which brings change. It delves into the transformation from a simple girl (“pobre mina pelandruna”) to a lady of the night, who is dazzled by city lights and seemingly lavish lifestyle (“hecha de seda y percal”). The repeated refrain “Callejera… Callejera… ¿a dónde irás a parar?” poses a rhetorical question about her future, reflecting societal concerns about her chosen path.
Significant symbolism in “Callejera” is woven through the use of contrast between clothing and the inherent nature of the protagonist (“Esos trajes que empilchás no concuerdan con tu cuna”). This contrast signifies the disparity between her origins and her current façade. The term “Callejera,” which translates to “streetwalker” in English, epitomizes the woman’s connection to the urban streets, symbolically representing a path of lost innocence and vulnerability. Phrases like “hecha de seda y percal” (made of silk and calico) and “en fina copa e’ cristal hoy tomás ricos licores” (today you drink rich liquors from a fine crystal glass) underline the superficial glamour masking her underlying struggles.
The tango was recorded in 1974, a time when Argentina was undergoing significant social changes, which makes the setting particularly poignant. This period in Argentina’s history was marked by political tension and an emerging modern culture that both clashed with traditional values. “Callejera” reflects the societal observations of women’s liberation and the scrutiny applied to personal choices. The mention of “milonguera” (a female tango dancer frequenting milongas) and urban references like “Picall” (likely a nod to Parisian influences or the famed Pigalle area known for its nightlife) suggest an intersection of local and international influences on Buenos Aires’ cultural landscape.
Enrique Cadícamo was a prominent Argentine lyricist and poet known for his contributions to the tango genre.