Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
Chau chau is a Tango written by Marcelo Álvaro Bonilla Cosentino and composed by Claudio Aquiles Tadei Lista.
The lyrics of “Chau chau” depict the disillusionment and betrayal experienced by a person, presumably a woman, who has been uprooted from her beloved neighborhood under deceitful pretenses. The narrative voice addresses the betrayer, expressing scorn for his belief that the facade he created could last. Notably, the word “chau” is a casual way of saying goodbye in Spanish, here used to emphasize dismissal and finality in the singer’s attitude toward the deceptive relationship.
The imagery in “Chau chau” is loaded with symbols of unfulfilled promises and shattered illusions. The reference to “muebles ‘chippendale’” and a classy room “a la garzón” symbolizes the grandeur and luxury the speaker was promised, highlighting the stark contrast between expectation and reality. This lyrical choice underscores the theme of deception, evoking a poignant sense of what could have been but never was. The frequent repetition of “chau” at the end symbolizes a definitive end and a dismissal of the false promises and the individual behind them.
The tango was created in 1931, a period of economic and social upheaval in Argentina, characterized by the infamies of the Great Depression. This context of uncertainty and change is mirrored in the personal betrayal depicted in the song. During such times, promises of a better life or social ascent were commonly used exploitatively, resonating with the song’s narrative of false promises leading to disillusionment. This period also saw a significant change in societal structures, which is subtly referenced through the betrayal of fundamental trust that is central to the song.
Marcelo Álvaro Bonilla Cosentino was an influential Tango lyricist, known for capturing the deep emotional undercurrents of Argentine society in his work.