Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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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.
Contame una historia is a Tango written by Mario Iaquinandi and composed by Eladia Blázquez.
“Contame una historia” translates to “Tell me a story” in English. This plea sets the tone for the entire piece, with the narrator seeking escapism or relief from the burdens of reality. The lyrics express deep feelings of loneliness (“este olor a muerte de mi soledad”), suggesting a profound emotional and existential crisis. The request for a story “distinct from all others” implies a desperate need for something uplifting or transformative, emphasizing themes of hope and salvation through storytelling.
Symbolism is richly woven throughout the lyrics of “Contame una historia.” The repeated requests to “tell a story” stand for a deeper yearning for connection and understanding, perhaps an antidote to the “fiebre del alma que huele a dolor” (fever of the soul that smells of pain). The “puerta por donde se escape” symbolizes an escape route or a way out of the narrator’s current psychological state, indicating a longing for relief or departure from suffering.
Recorded in 1981, a time of considerable political and social upheaval in Argentina, “Contame una historia” can be understood as a mirror to the collective sentiment of society. The longing for truth and the cynicism towards it (“moliendo una cosa que llaman ‘verdad'”) could reflect the public’s distrust towards the authoritative narratives at the time. This period in Argentina was marked by the recovery of democratic values after years of dictatorship, aligning with the themes of seeking truth and justice in personal stories.
Mario Iaquinandi is widely recognized for his contributions to Argentine music, particularly through his poignant tango lyrics that often delve into socially and emotionally charged themes.