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Che Bartolo

Che Bartolo is a Tango written by Rodolfo Sciammarella and recorded by Astor Piazzolla in 1947. The Tango Che Bartolo is written by Rodolfo Sciammarella, Astor Piazzolla has recorded Che Bartolo with the singer Aldo Campoamor.
“Che Bartolo,” translates to “Hey Bartolo” in English. This title evokes a sense of informal camaraderie, as if calling out to an old friend in the midst of a lively street. The piece, whether played or sung, stirs the heart with its vibrant rhythms, weaving tales of nostalgia and spirited life into its notes.

Tango

Style

Astor Piazzolla

Orchestra

Aldo Campoamor

Singer

Enrique Cadícamo

Author

Rodolfo Sciammarella

Composer

1947/12/19

Date

Aldo Campoamor
Aldo Campoamor
Astor Piazzolla
Astor Piazzolla

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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.

Che Bartolo recorded by other Orchestras

Che Bartolo recorded by other Orchestras

1947/12/19 – Chiclana – Astor Piazzolla
1947/12/17 – Don Horacio – Juan D-Arienzo
1947/12/17 – Lenguas de fuego – Juan D-Arienzo
1947/12/17 – Dale dale caballito – Juan D-Arienzo
1947/12/17 – El viento me cuenta cosas – Juan D-Arienzo
Che Bartolo – 1947/12/19 – Astor Piazzolla – Aldo Campoamor
Che Bartolo – 1928/10/4 – Roberto Firpo – Instrumental

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Che Bartolo

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

Letra del Tango Che Bartolo

Gran vivillo de aspamento, malandrín de meta y ponga

atajate este ponchazo que te voy a sacudir,

no es que quiera deschavarte por cantar una milonga

si no porque con tus brillos vos no me vas a engrupir.

Che, bacán de rango mishio, te diré que algo me alegra,

relojearte entre la mersa que la va de Tabarís.

A vos te llaman los giles el marqués de Boccanegra

como a mi me baten ‘Chorro’, ‘El herrero’ o ‘El perdiz’.



Che, Bartolo…

batí si te has vuelto colo

pa’ quererte disfrazar.

Boccanegra…

hay que ver cuál es la suegra

que a vos te podrá aguantar.

Vos de negro,

tenés sólo tu prontuario

que no sé cómo escondés.

Che, Bartolo…

como reo yo te pido

que dejés el apellido

de aquel noble genovés.



Si el monóculo insolente te da un aire bacanejo

y ese empilche tan debute te barniza de marqués,

no la va del mismo modo el curdela de tu viejo

que entre gente de boliche va arrastrando su vejez.

Yo no sé con qué ganzúa has abierto ese agujero

que los reos de mi rango le llamamos ‘sociedad’,

pa’ mi que te equivocaste, la de ‘negros candomberos’

es la socieda’ indicada donde podés alternar.

English lyrics of the Tango "Che Bartolo"

Big time swindler, crafty cheat,
stop right there, this blow I’ll unleash,
not that I want to snitch for singing a tune,
but your shiny façade won’t bamboozle me.

Hey, down-and-out swell, I must say it pleases,
to see you among the crowd pretending to be grand.
The fools call you the Marquess of Boccanegra,
while they call me ‘Thief,’ ‘The Blacksmith,’ or ‘The Partridge.’

Hey, Bartolo…
tell me if you’ve gone mad
to want to dress up.
Boccanegra…
it’s something to see the mother-in-law
who could put up with you.
You in black,
have only your criminal record
which I don’t know how you hide.
Hey, Bartolo…
as a convict, I ask you
to drop the name
of that noble from Genoa.

If the insolent monocle gives you a dandy air,
and that fancy dress paints you as a marquis,
it doesn’t suit your father’s old guitar
dragging his age through the bar crowd.
I don’t know with what picklock you’ve opened that hole
that us criminals call ‘society,’
I think you’re mistaken, the ‘black candomberos’’
is the society where you fit in.

Che Bartolo by Enrique Cadícamo

Che Bartolo is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.



Story behind the Tango Che Bartolo

“Che Bartolo” unfolds as a poignant and satirical narrative, showcasing the street-wise wit and ironic humor typical of tango lyrics. The song addresses a person named Bartolo, critiquing his pretentious behavior and his attempts to elevate his social status among the elite, despite his dubious origins. The use of the phrase “Che Bartolo” itself—a colloquial way to get someone’s attention—sets a familiar and somewhat confrontational tone. The character is mocked for his appearance and social climbing, implying a form of betrayal or falsehood to his roots.



Symbolism of Che Bartolo

The central figure, Bartolo, adorned in black, becomes a symbol of pretension. His “monocle” and “debutante attire” suggest attempts to disguise his true self, reflecting broader themes of identity and authenticity. The reference to “Boccanegra,” evoking the famous opera character symbolizing nobility and tragedy, satirizes Bartolo’s affected airs. The “black suit” he wears pointing to his criminal record, contrasts his outward appearance with his shady background, symbolizing the conflict between societal appearance and reality. This stark dichotomy delves deeply into the human condition, critiquing societal structures and the disparity between public facade and genuine identity.



Che Bartolo in historic Context

Recorded in 1947, “Che Bartolo” emerges in a post-World War II Argentina, a period marked by political upheaval and social changes. In this era, tango often reflected the sentiments of the working-class barrios, capturing their struggles and aspirations. By invoking aspects of high society and contrasting them with the gritty reality of the underclass, Cadícamo comments on the growing chasm between different social segments. This juxtaposition not only underscores a critique of post-war societal shifts but also explores themes of identity in a changing cultural landscape where the traditional tango culture clashed with modernizing forces.



Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, greatly admired for his contributions to the Tango music genre. His works often reflect deep psychological insights and a keen observation of human behavior.