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Dandy

Dandy is a Tango written by Lucio Demare and recorded by Lucio Demare in 1957. Lucio Demare has recorded Dandy as an instrumental Tango.
“Dandy,” translated from Spanish, becomes “Dandy” in English, retaining its elegance and charm. This name evokes images of a refined and fashionable gentleman, one who moves with grace and carries an air of sophistication. In the melody, “Dandy” dances through the notes with a suave demeanor, echoing the timeless allure of classic sophistication.

Tango

Style

Lucio Demare

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Agustín Irusta y Roberto Fugazot

Author

Lucio Demare

Composer

1957/1/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Lucio Demare
Lucio Demare

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Dandy recorded by other Orchestras

Dandy recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Dandy

Dandy,
ahora te llaman
los que no te conocieron
cuando entonces
eras terrán,
porque pasás por niño bien
y ahora te creen que sos un gran bacán;
mas yo sé, dandy,
que sos un seco, y en el barrio
se comentan fulerías,
para tu mal…
Cuando sepan que sos confidente,
tus amigos del café
te piantarán.

Has nacido en una cuna
de malevos, calaveras,
de vivillos y otras yerbas…
Sin embargo, ¡quién diria!,
en el circo de la vida
siempre fuistes un chabón.
Entre la gente del hampa
no has tenido performance,
pero dicen los pipiolos
que se ha corrido la bolilla
y han junado que sos
un gran batidor…

Dandy,
en vez de darte
tanto corte pensá un poco
en tu viejita
y en su dolor.
Tu pobre hermana en el taller
su vida entrega con entero amor
y por las noches
su almita enferma,
con la de su madrecita
en una sola sufriendo están…
Pero un dia,
cuando nieve en tu cabeza,
a tu hermana y a tu vieja
llorarás.

English lyrics of the Tango "Dandy"

Dandy,
now they call you
those who never knew you
when back then
you were just a common guy,
because you pass as a gentleman
and now they believe you’re quite the man;
but I know, dandy,
that you’re all dried up, and in the neighborhood
they’re gossiping harshly,
to your detriment…
When they find out you’re an informant,
your café friends
will abandon you.

You were born in a cradle
of tough guys, scoundrels,
shrewd operators, and other characters…
Yet, who would have thought,
in the circus of life
you were always a simpleton.
Among the criminal world
you’ve had no performance,
but the young ones say
the word has spread
and they’ve figured out that you’re
a big talker…

Dandy,
instead of acting so high and mighty think a bit
about your old mother
and her pain.
Your poor sister in the workshop
gives her life with complete love
and at night
her sick soul,
with her mother’s,
in one, they suffer…
But one day,
when your hair turns snowy,
you will cry for your sister and your mother.

Dandy by Agustín Irusta y Roberto Fugazot

Dandy is a Tango written by Agustín Irusta y Roberto Fugazot and composed by Lucio Demare.



Story behind the Tango Dandy

The lyrics of “Dandy” narrate the tale of a man caught between his impoverished, humble origins and his present persona as a “dandy” or a man of apparent social sophistication. The primary themes of hypocrisy, societal perceptions, and familial responsibility are explored. Emotional conflict is evident as the narrator reveals how the protagonist is perceived negatively by those who know his true roots. His struggles with identity and moral integrity are set against his concern for his overlooked family, particularly his mother and sister, elucidating a profound social commentary on personal versus public life.



Symbolism of Dandy

The term “Dandy” itself symbolizes the facade of opulence and elegance that the protagonist adopts, contrasting sharply with his true financial destitution (“seco”) and morally questionable actions (acting as a “confidente”). The repeated reference to “dandy” underscores the persona’s artificiality. The phrase “cuando nieve en tu cabeza” symbolically reflects the future remorse and inevitable old age, suggesting that time will reveal the true value of familial bonds and genuine empathy over superficial appearances.



Dandy in historic Context

Written in 1957 in Argentina, “Dandy” arrives at a time of significant social and economic change. Post-World War II, Argentina was marked by political instability and a rapidly changing social fabric. The tango captures the essence of this transition, reflecting on the loss of traditional values in the face of modern pretensions and the societal pressure to appear more affluent or successful than one might be. This era also saw a shift in societal norms where appearances often overshadowed authenticity, a theme poignantly critiqued in this tango.



About Agustín Irusta y Roberto Fugazot

Agustín Irusta and Roberto Fugazot were prominent figures in the tango scene, known for their performances and contributions to the musical culture of Argentina.