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Canchero

Canchero is a Tango written by Arturo De Bassi and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1945. The Tango Canchero is written by Arturo De Bassi, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Canchero with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Canchero” translates to “Streetwise” in English. This lively tango captures the audacity and confident flair of someone who effortlessly navigates the bustling streets, commanding attention with every step. Through its vibrant rhythms and passionate melodies, the piece paints a portrait of a charismatic figure whose presence is as compelling as it is genuine.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Arturo De Bassi

Composer

1945/10/3

Date

Alberto Echagüe
Alberto Echagüe
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

Discover Other Orchestras

Adolfo Carabelli – Por qué – 1931/11/2
Adolfo Carabelli – El Caburé – 1932/10/28
Adolfo Carabelli – Florida ventana de Granada – 1933/1/1
Adolfo Carabelli – Florida de 6 a 8 – 1934/4/25
Adolfo Carabelli – Desconfianza – 1932/5/6
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Me gusta bailar – 1946/11/21
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El porteñito – 1951/11/7
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Pálida sombra – 1937/3/27
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Don Enrique – 1937/5/21
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – La rosarina – 1936/12/19
LOS SEÑORES DEL TANGO – Milonguero viejo – 1962/10/8
Alfredo De Angelis – Señor no me la quites – 1962/12/27
Alfredo De Angelis – Canaro en París – 1976/9/24
Alfredo De Angelis – Milonga celestial – 1964/5/1
Alfredo De Angelis – Te quiero – 1957/12/16
Alfredo De Angelis – Calvario – 1964/5/1

Recommended

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.

Canchero recorded by other Orchestras

Canchero recorded by other Orchestras

1945/10/3 – Vamos Zaino – Juan D-Arienzo
1945/10/2 – A pan y agua – Angel d-Agostino
1945/10/2 – Tristeza criolla – Angel d-Agostino
1945/10/9 – Amor y Tango – Anibal Troilo
1945/10/9 – Cancion desesperada – Anibal Troilo
Canchero – 1945/10/3 – Juan D-Arienzo – Alberto Echague
Canchero – 1962/1/1 – Horacio Salgan – Edmundo Rivero

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Canchero

This is the translation of the Tango “Canchero” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Canchero” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Canchero

Para el record de mi vida sos una fácil carrera
que yo me animo a ganarte sin emoción ni final.
Te lo bato pa’ que entiendas en esta jerga burrera
que vos sos una ‘potranca’ para una ‘penca cuadrera’
y yo -¡che, vieja!- ya he sido relojiao pa’l Nacional…

Vos sabés que de purrete tuve pinta de ligero.
¡Era audaz, tenía clase, era guapo y seguidor!
Por la sangre de mi viejo salí bastante barrero
y en esa biaba de barrio figuré siempre primero
ganando muchos finales a fuerza de corazón.

El cariño de una mina que me llevaba doblao
en malicia y experiencia me sacó de perdedor.
Pero cuando estuve en peso y a la monta acostumbrado,
¡que te bata la percanta el juego que se le dio!

Ya, después, en la carpeta, empecé a probar fortuna
y muchas veces la suerte me fue amistosa y cordial…
Otras veces salí seco a chamuyar con la luna,
por las calles solitarias del sensiblero arrabal…

Me hice de aguante en la timba y corrido en la milonga,
desconfiao en la carpeta, lo mismo que en el amor…
Yo he visto venirse al suelo sin que nadie lo disponga
cien castillos de ilusiones, por una causa mistonga
y he visto llorar a guapos por mujeres como vos.

Ya ves, que por ese lado vas muerta con tu espamento…
Yo no quiero amor de besos, yo quiero amor de amistad.
Nada de palabras dulces, nada de mimos ni cuentos:
yo quiero una compañera pa’batirle lo que siento
y una mujer que aconseje con criterio y con bondad.

English lyrics of the Tango "Canchero"

For the record of my life, you’re an easy race,
One I dare to win without excitement or an end.
I am telling you plainly, in this racetrack slang,
that you’re a ‘filly’ for a ‘sprint race’,
and I—I, old gal!—have been timed for the National…

You know, as a kid, I had the look of a runner:
I was bold, had class, was handsome, and a follower!
From my old man’s blood, I turned out quite the mudder,
and in that neighborhood brawl, I always ranked first,
winning many finals with pure heart.

The affection of a girl who had me outdone
in cunning and experience made me a winner.
But once I was well-trained and used to the ride,
let the gal confess to you the game she has played!

Later, on the racetrack, I began to try my luck,
and often fortune was friendly and warm…
Other times I went out dry to talk to the moon,
along the lonely streets of the sentimental suburb…

I grew tough in gambling and sleek in the dance,
suspicious on the track, just like in love…
I’ve seen a hundred castles of dreams come crashing down,
for a trivial cause, without anyone dictating it,
and I’ve seen tough guys cry over women like you.

You see, this way, you are doomed with your fear…
I don’t want a love of kisses; I want a love of friendship.
No sweet words, no coddling, no tales:
I want a companion to share what I feel,
and a woman who advises with wisdom and kindness.

Canchero by Celedonio Flores

Canchero is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Arturo De Bassi.



Story behind the Tango Canchero

The lyrics of “Canchero” narrate the life experiences of a street-wise man, reflecting on his own courage, resilience, and the lessons learned. It offers a narrative where the protagonist compares his life’s challenges to a race, using the metaphor of horse racing to describe his past relationships and endeavors. The emotional tone is one of reflections and resignation, shaped by past struggles and tempered expectations for love and life.



Symbolism of Canchero

“Canchero” utilizes the rich metaphor of horse racing, comparing life to a simple, yet risky, race. Phrases like “Para el record de mi vida sos una fácil carrera” symbolize life as an easy course in retrospect, yet filled with risks and calculations when engaged. The use of terms like “potranca” (young mare) and “penca cuadrera” (casual bet) to describe a woman suggests a view of life filled with casual gambles and fleeting encounters. This establishes a tone of disenchantment, seeing relationships as transient and not deeply fulfilling. The title “Canchero” itself, slang for someone skilled and confident, further reflects the self-image of the protagonist as experienced and cynical.



Canchero in Historic Context

“Canchero” was recorded in 1945, a period marked by significant social and economic changes post-World War II in Argentina. This period saw shifting societal norms, increased urbanization, and changes in the male and female roles. Such contexts are reflected in the introspective and somewhat disenchanted tone of the lyrics; depicting urban life’s hardships and illusions through gambling and nighttime wanderings, directly appealing to the sense of survival and street smarts required during such unstable times.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, celebrated for his ability to infuse Tango music with the vivid narratives and street jargon of Buenos Aires’s urban landscape.