Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

El apache argentino

El apache argentino is a Tango written by Manuel Aróztegui and recorded by Florindo Sassone in 1974. Florindo Sassone has recorded El apache argentino as an instrumental Tango.
“El apache argentino,” translating to “The Argentine Apache,” evokes a fusion of rugged wilderness with the elegance of tango’s passionate embrace. It conjures images of a warrior’s spirit navigating the bustling city streets, blending traditional roots with urban flair. As the rhythm pulses, it captures a dance of identity, both timeless and fiercely contemporary, weaving stories of a vibrant past into a modern tapestry.

Tango

Style

Florindo Sassone

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Arturo Mathón

Author

Manuel Aróztegui

Composer

1974/1/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Florindo Sassone
Florindo Sassone

Discover Other Orchestras

Recommended

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.

El apache argentino recorded by other Orchestras

El apache argentino recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El apache argentino

Es el apache argentino

el tipo fiel de una raza

que se echa’e ver por su traza

la astucia de su valor.

¡Y ay de aquél que se atreviera

a hacer de su amor ultraje!,

ha de vengar con coraje

la chinita de su amor



Astuto, altivo y muy valiente

siempre ha sido

si es que le sale algún rival

y sabe jugar la vida

por medio de su puñal.

Jamás peleó desprevenido

porque como hombre que fue acción

defiéndese como bravo

y no lo asusta ni lo arredra

ni un canfinfle ni un matón.



Es el ser desheredado

de la fortuna, si tiene

y el que por riqueza tiene

muy noble su corazón.

Es blanco de la tortura

de la mano justiciera

y tiene en su alma altanera

English lyrics of the Tango "El apache argentino"

He is the Argentine apache,

the faithful type of a breed

that can be seen from his manner

the cunning of his valor.

Woe to him who dares

to outrage his love!

He must avenge with courage

the darling of his heart.

Cunning, proud, and very brave

he has always been

if a rival appears

he knows how to gamble his life

with the use of his knife.

He never fought unprepared

because as a man of action

he defends himself bravely

and he is neither scared nor daunted

by any ruffian or thug.

He is the dispossessed being

of fortune, if he has any,

and he who as his wealth possesses

a very noble heart.

He is the target of torture

by the hand of justice

and in his haughty soul he carries,

indignant, his pain.

El apache argentino by Arturo Mathón

El apache argentino is a Tango written by Arturo Mathón and composed by Manuel Aróztegui.



Story behind the Tango El apache argentino

El apache argentino” portrays the character of a courageous and cunning Argentine “apache,” a term derived from Parisian underworld figures known for their daring and sometimes violent behaviors, adapted here to depict a loyal and brave Argentine man. The lyrics richly sketch a narrative of love, valor, and vengeance, encapsulating the spirit of fighting for honor, particularly in matters of the heart. This protagonist is depicted as a sharp, proud, and fearless figure typical of national romantic figures, who battles adversities for his “chinita,” a term of endearment referring to his beloved.



Symbolism of El apache argentino

The central figure in “El apache argentino” is symbolic of raw courage and fierce loyalty. The repeated reference to the “puñal” (dagger) is notable, emphasizing readiness to defend honor at all costs, a reflection of personal integrity and the severity of stakes involved in matters of love and respect. Phrases like “siempre ha sido” (has always been) and “y no lo asusta ni lo arredra” (and he is not frightened nor daunted) highlight the unwavering nature of the apache’s spirit, driving home the theme of persistent valor. These elements weave together a portrayal of a man whose nobility is proven by his readiness to confront life’s harshest challenges head-on.



El apache argentino in historic Context

Created in 1974 in Argentina, a period marked by social and political turmoil leading up to the country’s civic-military dictatorship (1976-1983), “El apache argentino” may echo sentiments of defiance and resilience. During times when expressing dissent was dangerous, this tango could symbolize not just personal but broader cultural resistance. The figure of the apache, often standing outside societal norms but steeped in codes of personal loyalty and bravery, could be seen as a metaphor for the Argentine spirit of resistance.



Arturo Mathón

Arturo Mathón was an influential figure in the world of tango, known for his poignant blends of poignant lyrics that often reflected deeper societal narratives.