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.
Caminito is a Tango written by Gabino Coria Peñaloza and composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto.
Caminito, which means ‘little path’ in English, is often considered more than just a tango; it’s a poetic narrative that conveys deep sorrow and longing. The lyrics tell the story of a person revisiting a path where they used to walk with a loved one. This path, once vibrant and alive with the beauty of nature and shared moments, now seems desolate and forgotten, a stark reflection of the singer’s own emotional state after the departure of their love. The repeated visits to this path serve as an attempt to connect with the past and a lost love, finally culminating in a farewell.
The path in “Caminito” is heavily symbolic, representing the journey of life and love. Initially described as being “bordado de trébol y juncos en flor” (embroidered with clover and blooming rushes), it evokes a time of flourishing love and happiness. However, as the song progresses, this path transforms into one “cubierto de cardos,” (covered in thistles), symbolizing the pain and harshness of the lost love and the passage of time. The transition from a place of beauty to desolation mirrors the singer’s journey from joy to sorrow.
“Caminito” was recorded on November 1, 1966, a period when Argentine Tango was experiencing a revival after a decline in popularity. This song’s nostalgic and melancholic themes are reflective of the societal mood in Argentina during the 1960s, a time of political and social changes. The mixture of personal loss with the physical metaphor of a fading path resonates deeply within a culture that holds strong values on passion and romanticism, making it a timeless piece that speaks to the universal experience of loss and memory.
Gabino Coria Peñaloza was an iconic Argentine lyricist and poet, renowned for his profound contributions to the genre of tango.