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Chaparron

Chaparron is a Milonga written by Pintín Castellanos and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1946. The Milonga Chaparron is written by Pintín Castellanos, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Chaparron with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
“Chaparrón,” translating to “downpour” in English, evokes the sudden and passionate surge of emotions that only a storm can mirror. This piece of music, perhaps a Tango, captures the unpredictable dance of raindrops and the tumultuous rhythm of a lover’s heart. With its sweeping melodies, “Chaparrón” immerses the listener in a cascade of tempestuous beauty.

Milonga

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Francisco García Jiménez

Author

Pintín Castellanos

Composer

1946/8/26

Date

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

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Lyrics Translation of the Milonga Chaparron

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

Letra del Milonga Chaparron

Las nubes eran de plomo
y era el aire de fogón.
Andábamos, no sé cómo…
¡seria vos y serio yo!
Venía un olor caliente
de la ruda y el cedrón.
Y estaba como la gente
de antipático un moscón.

La boca se resecaba,
estaqueada en mal humor.
Aquello no lo arreglaba
nada más que un chaparrón.
Tormenta de trote y carga
jineteando un nubarrón.
Tormenta de caras largas:
seria vos y serio yo.

Verano de mosca y tierra;
seco el río y el porrón.
Verano de sol en guerra
¡filo de hacha sin perdón!
Amores que se empacaban
(seria vos y serio yo).
Asuntos que se empeoraban
por tardar el chaparrón…
Andábamos a tirones
cuando el cielo se abrió en dos…
Con agua y explicaciones
era doble el chaparrón.
¡Qué rico el olor a trébol
y la reconciliación…
Da ganas de andar de nuevo
seria vos y serio yo!…

English lyrics of the Milonga "Chaparron"

The clouds were made of lead
and the air was like a stove.
We walked, I don’t know how…
it must’ve been you and solemn I!
A warm scent was coming
from the rue and lemon verbena.
And like the people,
a fly was unpleasantly present.

The mouth dried up,
stuck in a bad mood.
Nothing could fix that
but a downpour.
A storm of trot and charge,
riding a big cloud.
A storm with sullen faces:
it must’ve been you and solemn I.

Summer of flies and dust;
the river and the flask, both dry.
Summer of a warring sun,
sharp as an unforgiving axe!
Loves that got stuck
(it must’ve been you and solemn I).
Matters that got worse
by the delay of the downpour…
We walked jerkily
when the sky split in two…
With water and explanations,
the downpour was twice as strong.
How nice the smell of clover
and the reconciliation…
It makes you want to walk again,
it must’ve been you and solemn I!…

Chaparron by Francisco García Jiménez

Chaparron is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Pintín Castellanos.



Story behind the Tango Chaparron

The lyrics of “Chaparron” evoke a stormy, tense atmosphere that mirrors the tumultuous emotions in a relationship. The song presents a couple navigating through a period of conflict, symbolized by the dry, stifling air that precedes a storm. The imagery of a brewing storm (“las nubes eran de plomo”) serves as a metaphor for building tensions, potentially reflecting on personal or broader societal struggles. The eventual downpour, or “chaparrón,” represents a cathartic release, bringing a much-needed resolution and a sense of renewal to the relationship.



Symbolism of Chaparron

The tangible elements of weather in “Chaparron” serve as powerful metaphors for the emotional states of the protagonists. For instance, the “nubarrón” (large cloud) hovering ominously symbolizes looming troubles or unresolved issues. Similarly, the arrival of the “chaparrón” (downpour) symbolizes the eruption and eventual cleansing of pent-up emotions, leading finally to reconciliation and fresh beginnings as evoked by the “rich smell of clover” returning with the rain. This symbolism deeply connects with human emotions, suggesting that just as the earth is cleansed and refreshed by rain, so are human spirits by the resolution of strife.



Chaparron in historic Context

“Chaparron” was written and recorded in Argentina in 1946, a time marked by significant political and social changes within the country. The imagery of a storm in the song could subtly reflect the broader societal atmosphere of tension and the eventual need for release or change. The setting underscores a period when Argentina was grappling with its identity and future direction, much like the couple in the tango working through their impasse to find a new beginning.



Francisco García Jiménez

Francisco García Jiménez was an esteemed Argentine poet and lyricist known for his contribution to the tango genre, reflecting the deep emotional currents and social narratives of his time.