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Don Juan

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ernesto Ponzio and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1941. Carlos di Sarli has recorded Don Juan as an instrumental Tango.
“Don Juan” translates to “Sir John” in English. This name conjures the essence of a fiery lover and a roguish seducer, forever dancing on the edge of desire and abandon. It whispers tales of passion’s triumph and folly, weaving a melody of enigma and charisma through each swirling note, capturing hearts with its timeless allure.

Tango

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ricardo Podesta

Author

Ernesto Ponzio

Composer

1941/10/3

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Don Juan recorded by other Orchestras

Don Juan recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Don Juan

En el tango soy tan taura
que cuando hago un doble corte
corre la voz por el Norte,
si es que me encuentro en el Sud.
Y pa bailar la Yuyeta
si es que me visto a la moda
la gente me dice toda
Dios le dé, Dios le dé, vida y salud.

Calá, che, calá.
Siga el piano, che,
dése cuenta usted
y después dirá
si con este taita
podrán por el Norte
calá che, qué corte,
calá, che, calá.

No hay teatro que no conozca
pues hasta soy medio artista
y luego tengo una vista
que hasta dicen que soy luz.
Y la forma de mi cuerpo
arreglada a mi vestido
me hacen mozo muy querido,
lo juro, lo juro por esta cruz.

Yo soy el taita del barrio,
pregúnteselo a cualquiera.
No es esta la vez primera
en que me han de conocer.
Yo vivo por San Cristóbal,
me llaman Don Juan Cabello,
anóteselo en el cuello
y ahí va, y ahí va, así me quieren ver.

English lyrics of the Tango "Don Juan"

In the tango, I’m so grand,
when I make a double cut,
word spreads from the North,
if I happen to be in the South.
And to dance the Yuyeta,
if I dress in the style,
everyone tells me,
God give you, God give you, life and health.

Hold on, hey, hold on.
Follow the piano, hey,
take notice,
and then you’ll say
if with this tough guy
they can in the North—
hold on, hey, what a move,
hold on, hey, hold on.

There’s no theater I don’t know,
I’m even somewhat of an artist,
and then I have a way of looking
that even makes them say I’m a light.
And the shape of my body
suited to my clothes
makes me a very beloved fellow,
I swear, I swear by this cross.

I am the big gun of the neighborhood,
just ask anyone.
It’s not the first time
that they’ll come to know me.
I live by San Cristobal,
they call me Don Juan Cabello,
note it on your collar
and there it goes, and there it goes, that’s how they want to see me.

Don Juan by Ricardo Podesta

Don Juan is a Tango written by Ricardo Podesta and composed by Ernesto Ponzio.

Story behind the Tango Don Juan

The lyrics of “Don Juan” seem to portray a character brimming with self-confidence and pride in his abilities as a dancer, almost asserting a heroic status in his local community. Through his talents, especially highlighted by his expert “doble corte” in tango dancing, he gains notoriety and admiration, spanning from the North to the South, suggesting his fame is widespread. This persona aligns with cultural icons of masculinity and skill in the context of traditional Argentine tango, a dance that is both an art form and a means of personal expression.

Symbolism of Don Juan

In “Don Juan,” the central character embodies the archetype of a ‘taita,’ a term that can be interpreted as ‘boss’ or ‘chief,’ symbolizing authority and respectability in local culture. The use of such symbols like “esta cruz,” which he swears by, adds a layer of solemnity and personal honor to his declarations. His connection to the neighborhood of San Cristóbal and his nickname, Don Juan Cabello, further personalize the narrative, grounding the legendary traits in a particular locale and identity.

Don Juan in historic Context

The Tango, recorded on 1941-10-03, emerges during a vibrant period of Argentine history where tango was not merely dance but an expression of deeper social currents. During this era, tango lyrics often reflected personal stories of love, pride, and survival, mirroring the sociopolitical climate. The character of Don Juan, with his bravado and local fame, can be seen as a response to a societal need for figures of resilience and pride in a time of global uncertainty due to World War II.

Ricardo Podesta

Ricardo Podesta was a prolific figure in the tango scene, known for his evocative lyrics that captured the essence of Argentine culture and sentiment.