Don Juan Mondiola

Don Juan Mondiola is a Tango written by Antonio Oscar Arona and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1950. The Tango Don Juan Mondiola is written by Antonio Oscar Arona, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Don Juan Mondiola with the singer Alberto Echagüe.

“Don Juan Mondiola” translates to “Mr. John Mondiola” in English. The name evokes an image of a charismatic yet enigmatic figure, perhaps a dashing gentleman or a cunning rogue who navigates life with charm and mystery. Through its melodies or lyrics, the piece captures the essence of Mondiola’s alluring dance through life’s complex and vibrant tapestry.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Antonio Oscar Arona

Author

Antonio Oscar Arona

Composer

1950/9/28

Date

Alberto Echagüe

Juan D’Arienzo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Don Juan Mondiola

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

Letra del Tango Don Juan Mondiola

En el mazo de la vida sos un “frilo” remanyado
Mezcla rara de pescado con empaque de señor,
Te pusieron “cuatro ´e copas”; el “grasa” y otras ranadas
Por tu porra lubricada al aceite de castor.
Sos un punto “filipino”, propio para el cargamento
Sin clase, pinta, ni vento, con berretín de cantor,
Y pensar que sos de un barrio de tangazos y de violas
El lugar donde “Mondiola”, dicta cátedras de amor.

Juan Mondiola…
Vos que tenés experiencia
Y hacés arte de esa ciencia
Que se llama seducción.
Che Juancito…
Explicámele a este preso
La emoción que brinda un beso
Cuando talla el corazón.
Perdoname…
Si en compás de dos por cuatro
Este milonguero nato
Te quiera el parche batir.
Pero viejo
Hay que hacer comparaciones
Pa´ que aprendan los “grasones”
Cómo tienen que vivir.

Disculpame, “cuatro ´e copas”, se me fue un poco la mano
Pero este “fato”, che hermano, yo te lo voy a arreglar,
Si vos, como Juan Mondiola, sos de un barrio de vivachos
Y no hay derecho muchacho, que te cachen… escuchá:
Los domingos por la tarde enfilá pa´ la perrera
Que entre esa mersa burrera yo sé que te avivarás,
Después, rajá a la milonga y aunque no te queden mangos
Te bailás tus buenos tangos y después… no hace falta más.

English lyrics of the Tango "Don Juan Mondiola"

In the deck of life, you’re a tricky “frilo”
A strange mix of fish with a gentleman’s wrapper,
They called you “four of cups”; the “sleazy” and other stuff
For your greased up stick, slick with castor oil.
You’re a “Filipino spot”, just right for carrying
No class, no look, no cash, dreaming of being a singer,
And to think that you’re from a neighborhood of intense tangos and guitars
The place where “Mondiola”, teaches classes on love.

Juan Mondiola…
You who have experience
And make an art of the science
Known as seduction.
Hey Juancito…
Explain to this fool
The thrill a kiss can bring
When it carves into the heart.
Forgive me…
If in a two by four beat
This born milonguero
Wants to challenge you.
But old man
We need to make comparisons
So that the “slimy ones”
Learn how they must live.

Forgive me, “four of cups”, I got a bit carried away
But this mistake, hey brother, I’ll fix for you,
If you, like Juan Mondiola, are from a neighborhood of smart alecks
And it’s not right, boy, that they catch you… listen:
On Sunday afternoons head for the dog track
Among that lowlife crowd I know you’ll wise up,
Then, shoot off to the milonga and even if you’re broke
You dance your good tangos and after… nothing else matters.

Don Juan Mondiola by Antonio Oscar Arona

Don Juan Mondiola is a Tango written by Antonio Oscar Arona and composed by Antonio Oscar Arona.

Story behind the Tango Don Juan Mondiola

The tango “Don Juan Mondiola” tells the tale of a man who, despite his dubious reputation and criticisms from the society, knows the art of seduction and the essence of living a passionate life. The lyrics invoke a conversation or a kind of advice seeking, where the speaker contrasts himself with Don Juan Mondiola, seeking wisdom about love and life. The premise revolves around the notion of learning from someone experienced in the nuanced art of romance and navigating life’s complexities, compellingly conveyed through the metaphor-rich narrative of Tango.

Symbolism of Don Juan Mondiola

In “Don Juan Mondiola,” the symbolism is deeply embedded in Tango culture, where terms like “cuatro ‘e copas” (four of cups in card games, symbolizing dissatisfaction and contemplation) accentuate the persona’s flawed or questionable aspects. “Filipino” perhaps alludes to being exotic or outsider, suggesting a person who is not fully integrated into the societal norms but still integral to the cultural tapestry. The reference to “Mondiola” implies a master or a casanova, symbolizing prowess in love and relationship wisdom, teaching how to navigate the emotional landscapes.