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Castigo

Castigo is a Vals written by Juan Polito and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1939. The Vals Castigo is written by Juan Polito, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Castigo with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Castigo,” meaning “Punishment” in English, is a haunting tango that weaves the tale of unrequited love and heartbreak. The music’s mournful melody mirrors the weight of remorse and the heavy steps of a soul burdened by its own emotions. Each note serves as a reminder of the relentless ache, a poignant dance with the shadows of longing.

Vals

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Luis Rubistein

Author

Juan Polito

Composer

1939/8/9

Date

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

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Lyrics Translation of the Vals Castigo

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

Letra del Vals Castigo

Yo sé de tu bondad
De tu sufrir, de tu llorar,
Yo sé que me has querido
Que no me olvidás.
Y que en tu vida
De cruces y penas,
Marchando serena
De mí te acordás.

De mí, que criminal
No comprendí tu amor leal,
Y que pagué tus ansias
Haciéndote mal,
Y que ahora
Sabiéndote lejos
Humilde, te ruego
Me tengas piedad.

Coda:
Porque no quise
Cariño sagrado,
Tenerte a mi lado
Con mi corazón.

English lyrics of the Vals "Castigo"

I know of your kindness
Of your suffering, of your tears,
I know that you loved me
That you haven’t forgotten me.
And that in your life
Of crosses and sorrows,
Marching serenely
You remember me.

Of me, who criminally
Did not understand your loyal love,
And repaid your longing
By doing you harm,
And now
Knowing you’re far away
Humbly, I beg
You to have mercy on me.

Coda:
Because I did not want
Sacred affection,
To have you by my side
With my heart.

Castigo by

Castigo is a Tango written by and composed by Juan Polito.

Story behind the Tango Castigo

The lyrics of “Castigo” unveil a narrative of regret and yearning, exploring themes of remorse and unfulfilled love. The story is expressed through the voice of a person who reflects on the pain they’ve caused a significant other. Acknowledging their destructive actions, the speaker implores for mercy from the one they’ve wronged. The emotional core of the song revolves around introspection and the deep sense of loss and guilt for not having cherished a “sacred love” when they had the chance.

Symbolism of Castigo

Symbolism runs deep in this piece, as suggested by phrases like “cruces y penas” (crosses and sorrows), which depict life’s burdens and sufferings. These images convey the trials the loved one has endured, underscoring the noble, steadfast nature of her devotion. The term “criminal” highlights the gravity of the speaker’s past actions, suggesting they perceive their betrayal as almost unforgivable. The juxtaposition of the sanctity of love against the narrator’s own failings serves to amplify the weight of their regret.

Castigo in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1939, this tango reflects the era’s emotional and cultural landscape. Buenos Aires, a city pulsating with the rhythms of tango, was a hub for stories of passion and heartache. The year 1939 was significant globally, as tensions mounted towards World War II; however, in Argentina, tango continued to thrive as an outlet for expressing personal and societal emotional complexities. This context gives the piece a timeless resonance, as it echoes universal themes of love and repentance amidst tumultuous times.

Juan Polito, a renowned tango composer, contributed significantly to the genre’s development during its golden age, penning pieces that resonated with the emotional and cultural pulse of Buenos Aires.