Cambalache by Enrique Santos Discepolo

Cambalache is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discepolo and composed by Enrique Santos Discepolo.

Story behind the Tango Cambalache

“Cambalache,” which translates to “junk shop” in English, is a profound critique of the 20th century and the moral decay the author perceives within society. Its lyrics lament the impossibility of differentiating between the morally upright and the corrupt, asserting that the era’s chaos has leveled all to the same plane of existence. Enrique Santos Discepolo paints a vivid picture of a world where values are inverted, and decency has lost relevance. The poet worries that being honest or a traitor, ignorant or a scholar, hold the same weight, eroding the essence of moral judgment and reward.

Symbolism of Cambalache

The reference to “que el mundo fue y será una porquería” suggests a cyclic view of history, where human folly and immorality are constants. By comparing religious and historical figures (“Don Bosco y ‘La Mignón’, Don Chicho y Napoleón, Carnera y San Martín”), Discepolo utilizes stark contrasts to magnify the societal collapse where every distinction between good and evil, or wisdom and folly is obliterated. “Cambalache” itself, a place where various items are haphazardly mixed together, symbolizes the chaotic blend of values in society. The powerful image of the Bible crying against a water heater represents the desecration of sacred values in the face of mundane, everyday life.

Cambalache in historic Context

Written and first performed in Argentina in 1962, during a period marked by political and social upheaval, “Cambalache” reflects a pervasive disillusionment with the perceived failure of institutions in promoting justice and equality. This era in Argentine history—fraught with economic instability and political corruption—provides a backdrop that intensifies the song’s resonance. Discepolo uses the tango, a cultural symbol of Argentina, to critique the very fabric of societal norms during a tumultuous time, making “Cambalache” not only a lament but a poignant social commentary.

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Enrique Santos Discepolo was one of Argentina’s most profound and critical tango composers, known for his introspective and socially charged lyrics.