Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Carpeta

Carpeta is a Tango written by Roberto Rufino and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1956. The Tango Carpeta is written by Roberto Rufino, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Carpeta with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Carpeta,” meaning “Folder” in English, evokes a sense of organization and safekeeping. This tango, like a carefully curated collection of memories, unfolds emotions tucked away within the folds of its melody. As each note dances across the strings, it reveals a story, a cherished moment filed away in the quiet archive of the heart.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Enrique Cadícamo

Author

Roberto Rufino

Composer

1956/5/23

Date

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

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Héctor Varela – El fustazo – 1953/3/6
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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.

1956/5/23 – Corazon encadenado – Alfredo De Angelis
1956/5/23 – Perdoname senor – Alfredo De Angelis
1956/5/22 – Libertad – Francisco Rotundo
1956/5/22 – Mal de amores – Francisco Rotundo
1956/5/18 – Y todavia te quiero – Alfredo De Angelis

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Carpeta

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

Letra del Tango Carpeta

No te andés haciendo el rana que vas muerto en la parada.

No manyás que estás hablando con un piola de verdá…

Yo sé bien que porque, anoche, se piantó tu peor es nada,

hoy te andás mamando solo, pero te doy mancada,

cuando a cada dos palabras, sin querer me la nombrás.



Te estoy viendo curda y triste y me lo negás… ¡Diquero!

Como si yo fuera ciego pa’no ver lo que sufrís…

Yo soy siempre un buen gomía en la buena y en la fulera.

Deschavate y no me escondas —te lo dice un calavera—

¡yo pasé por esos trances y me duele verte así!…



Vos tenés que hacerte el fuerte, demostrar esa carpeta,

aunque adentro te camine, como a mí, la procesión.

Desde pibe fui ligero y tiraba la “mosqueta”

y hoy que manyo este escolazo puedo darte la receta:

“Meté siempre rueda libre, cuando usés el corazón”.

English lyrics of the Tango "Carpeta"

Don’t play the fool, you’re dead in your tracks.

Don’t you see you’re speaking with a true smooth operator…

I know well that because, last night, your better half left,

today you’re drinking alone, but I see right through you,

when every other word, unwittingly, you mention her.

I see you drunk and sad, yet you deny it… Faker!

As if I were blind, not to see how much you suffer…

I’m always a good pal, in good times and in bad.

Spill it, don’t hide from me—I’m speaking as a true rogue—

I’ve been through these times and it hurts to see you like this!…

You have to stay strong, show that you can hold it together,

even if inside, the procession walks in me, as in you.

Ever since I was a kid I played fast and loose,

and now that I understand these harsh lessons, I can give you advice:

“Always freewheel, when you use your heart.”

Carpeta by Enrique Cadícamo

Carpeta is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Roberto Rufino.



Story behind the Tango Carpeta

The lyrics of “Carpeta” describe a man’s conversation with a friend who is visibly upset about a romantic rejection, yet tries to deny his sadness. The narrator advises his friend to put on a brave face (“demostrar esa carpeta”), maintain dignity, and move on with his life, despite his internal turmoil. The recurring theme is the dichotomy between outward appearances and inner feelings, emphasizing the importance of resilience and “showing a good front” in the face of emotional pain.



Symbolism of Carpeta

In “Carpeta,” the key phrase “demostrar esa carpeta” holds symbolic significance. “Carpeta” here metaphorically represents a ‘portfolio’ or a ‘front’ one puts up, suggesting a façade or outward appearance. The song uses this symbolism to discuss the idea of masculinity and emotional suppression, where men are culturally expected to maintain composure and resilience, even when feeling vulnerable or heartbroken. This facade serves as a coping mechanism to manage personal image and societal expectations.



Carpeta in historic Context

Recorded in 1956, the cultural context of Argentina during the mid-20th century influenced the themes of “Carpeta.” During this time, societal norms dictated strong, restrained emotional displays, especially among men. The Tango mirrors these cultural expectations through its portrayal of the protagonist’s advice to his friend, reinforcing the stereotypical notion of masculinity that prevails in many parts of Latin America. The lyrics reflect the private struggles that individuals face while adhering to the public norms of behavior, which were particularly rigid during that era.



Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, well-known for his significant contributions to the Tango genre. His works often delve into themes of love, betrayal, and existential sadness, capturing the emotional complexity of urban life.