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Champagne tango

Champagne tango is a Tango written by Manuel Aróztegui and recorded by Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo in 1946. Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo has recorded Champagne tango as an instrumental Tango.
“Champagne Tango,” or “Tango de Champán” in Spanish, evokes a dance that sparkles with the effervescence of life’s fleeting moments. The tango’s rhythm mirrors the playful bubbles rising in a glass, inviting dancers to embrace the joy and brief intoxication of celebration. As champagne flows, so do the steps, weaving a story of passion and elegance.

Tango

Style

Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Pascual Contursi

Author

Manuel Aróztegui

Composer

1946/9/25

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo

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Champagne tango recorded by other Orchestras

Champagne tango recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Champagne tango

Esas minas veteranas

que siempre se conformaban,

que nunca la protestaban

aunque picara el buyón,

viviendo así en su cotorro

pasando vida pibera

en una pobre catrera

que le faltaba el colchón.



¡Cuántas veces a mate amargo

el estomago engrupía

y pasaban muchos días

sin tener para morfar!

La catrera era el consuelo

de esos ratos de amargura

que, culpa ‘e la mishiadura

no tenía pa’ morfar.



Se acabaron esas minas

que siempre se conformaban

con lo que el bacán les daba

si era bacán de verdad.

Hoy sólo quieren vestidos

y riquísimas alhajas,

coches de capota baja

pa’ pasear por la ciudad.



Nadie quiere conventillo

ni ser pobre costurera,

ni tampoco andar fulera…

Sólo quieren aparentar

ser amigo de fulano

y que tenga mucho vento

que alquile departamento

y que la lleve al Pigall.



Tener un coche,

tener mucama

y gran ‘chapó’

y pa’ las farras

un gigoló;

pieza alfombrada

de gran parada,

tener sirvienta

y… ¡qué se yo!

Y así…

de esta manera

en donde quiera

‘champán tangó’.

English lyrics of the Tango "Champagne tango"

Those seasoned ladies

who always settled,

who never complained

even if the stew was bad,

living like that in their shanty

leading a modest life

on a poor bed frame

missing its mattress.

How many times with bitter mate

they tricked their stomachs

and many days went by

without anything to eat!

The bed frame was the comfort

in those moments of bitterness

which, due to severe poverty,

left them with nothing to eat.

Those kind of ladies are gone

who always were content

with whatever the swell gave them

if he was truly a swell.

Now they only want dresses

and very fancy jewelry,

cars with a low hood

for city strolls.

No one wants a shanty

nor to be a poor seamstress,

nor to look shabby…

They only want to pretend

to be friends with so-and-so

and that he has a lot of cash

to rent an apartment

and take her to Pigall.

To have a car,

to have a maid

and a fancy hat

and for the parties

a gigolo;

a carpeted room

of great standing,

to have a servant

and… what do I know!

And so…

in this manner

wherever

‘champagne tango’.

Champagne Tango by Pascual Contursi

Champagne Tango is a Tango written by Pascual Contursi and composed by Manuel Aróztegui.



Story behind the Tango Champagne Tango

“Champagne Tango” portrays a dramatic shift in the aspirations and lifestyles of women in Argentine society post-World War II. Through its lyrics, it reflects on the evolving dynamics of relationships and societal expectations. The song depicts women who once accepted a modest life of hardships yet now desire a lavish lifestyle symbolized by dresses, jewels, and social appearances. These desires are seemingly fueled by a longing for social mobility and the trappings of an affluent life.



Symbolism of Champagne Tango

The symbolism in “Champagne Tango” is rich and centered around the contrast between the sober past and the indulgent aspirations of the present. For instance, references to “viejas minas” (old mines) and “conventillo” (tenement) illustrate the old, poverty-stricken life, while “coches de capota baja” (low-hood cars) and “riquísimas alhajas” (very rich jewels) signify the newfound cravings for luxury. “Champagne Tango” itself metaphorically captures the essence of high society life—the celebration, the sparkle, and ultimately, the intoxication with new social possibilities and identities.



Champagne Tango in Historic Context

Recorded in 1946, “Champagne Tango” was created in a post-war Argentina under the political influence of Juan Perón, which saw significant societal shifts—including increased industrialization and urbanization, and changed social policies, particularly concerning labor and women’s rights. The tango subtly critiques the rapid modernization and changing moral landscape, using the tango, a dance rooted in the working-class and national identity, to comment on the erosion of traditional values and the rise of materialism.



Pascual Contursi

Pascual Contursi was a key figure in the evolution of Tango lyrics, infusing them with a narrative style that often reflected the social issues of his time.