Derecho viejo by Gabriel Clausi

Derecho viejo is a Tango written by Gabriel Clausi and composed by Eduardo Arolas.

Story behind the Tango Derecho viejo

“Derecho viejo” translates to “Old Law” in English, symbolically referring to the enduring, traditional ways and values deeply embedded in the culture of Buenos Aires. The lyrics of “Derecho viejo” encapsulate a nostalgic remembrance of the past, conveying deep emotional ties to the city and the tango culture. It brings forth images of the city’s streets and nightlife, incorporating a spectrum of feelings from melancholy to joy, tied together by the central figure of the bandoneón, an emblematic musical instrument in tango.

Symbolism of Derecho viejo

The lyrics are rich in symbolism, particularly around tango as an expressive outlet of emotions. Phrases like “Tango de mi ciudad, malevo y sensual” highlight tango as an integral part of the city’s character – both dangerous (“malevo”) and sensual. The bandoneón in the lyrics symbolizes the voice of the city, expressing unsaid emotions through its melancholic sounds, crying “la pena de un amor” – the sorrow of a love that could never be. This unfulfilled love story, set in the nostalgic context of old Buenos Aires (“arrabal”), enhances the emotional depth of the song.

Derecho viejo in historic Context

“Derecho viejo” was recorded in 1957, a period when Argentine society was under the influence of political and social changes. The tango, with its roots deeply embedded in the working-class neighborhoods, served as both a reflection of societal dynamics and an escape. The yearning for the past and a simpler time, perhaps a reflection of societal uncertainties, is evident in the lyrics. The references to “los tiempos que se fueron” (the times that have passed) reflect a common theme in tango, linking nostalgia with personal and collective memory.

Gabriel Clausi

Gabriel Clausi was a prominent figure in the Argentine music scene, particularly noted for his contributions to the tango genre.