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.
Cuéntame tu pena is a Tango written by Alfredo Navarrine and composed by .
“Cuéntame tu pena” (translated as “Tell Me Your Sorrow”) encapsulates a nostalgic reflection on the changes and constants of a beloved neighborhood. The lyrics portray an individual returning to their old neighborhood, now aged and weathered, both physically and emotionally. This tango explores themes of time, loss, and longing, as the speaker addresses the neighborhood itself, reminiscing about past experiences and confronting their current feelings of weariness and relentless love.
The tango is rich with symbolism, most notably the portrayal of the neighborhood as both a cradle and a tomb, suggesting that it holds the singer’s joyful beginnings and his profound sorrows. Phrases like “pero siempre tan risueño” (but always so cheerful) and “barrio lindo… mirá que viejo estoy…” (beautiful quarter… look how old I am…) contrast the physical and emotional changes experienced over time. The neighborhood remains a source of warmth and nostalgia, despite the inevitability of change and decay. The references to nature, such as “plata de luna” (silver of the moon) and “oro de sol” (gold of the sun), add a lyrical richness that enhances the melancholic yet beautiful tone of the song.
Recorded in Argentina on November 14, 1967, “Cuéntame tu pena” emerged during a period marked by both cultural flourishing and political tension. During this era, Tango was not just a dance or a musical genre but a profound cultural expression. It often carried the emotional weight of the Argentine populace, encapsulating themes of loss, nostalgia, and the struggle against adversity. The song’s emphasis on personal lament and the sociocultural lament for a past era resonates with the broader context of a changing Argentina, reflecting both personal and collective memories and sorrows.
Alfredo Navarrine was a prominent figure in the world of Tango, known for his evocative lyrics that often delve into themes of love, sorrow, and nostalgia.