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El Caburé

El Caburé is a Tango written by Arturo De Bassi and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1927. Roberto Firpo has recorded El Caburé as an instrumental Tango.
“El Caburé,” translating to “The Little Owl,” enchants with its mysterious charm. This piece, like its namesake, flits through shadows with an enigmatic grace, weaving swift, intricate melodies that echo the whispers of night. Its rhythm pulses with the vitality of dusk, an ode to the twilight dance shared by both the city and the wild, crafting a vibrant tapestry of sound.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Roberto Lino Cayol

Author

Arturo De Bassi

Composer

1927/8/25

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

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El Caburé recorded by other Orchestras

El Caburé recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El Caburé

A mi me llaman El Caburé

porque soy

un tipo que me hago temer

donde voy

y a más yo tengo la virtud

de poder amar

la palomita más gentil

que quiera amar.



Por eso me han de ver salir

con afán

en cuanto empieza a anochecer

sin temor

y al extender mis anchas alas

hago galas de un sentido amor.



Cuando mi canción entono

no hay mujer

que pueda retener

el ansia de querer amar

sin que la presa

pueda escapar,

pues con mirarla,

nada más,

la encanto

con sagaz empeño

de aspirar su amor,

como quien busca

en los jardines de la vida

la más perfumada flor.

Todos envidian

las virtudes

de mi fe

y las mujeres

tiemblan de miedo

apenas oyen

conversar

del Caburé.



Es en vano que me impidan

dragonear

a la que ha de pagar

el fuego de mi gran

pasión

de mi canción.

Y si algún malo

se ha de dar

el dique

de afrontar

a fuerza mi invencible fe,

toda la vida,

yo, le juro, ha de acordarse

de quien es El Caburé.

English lyrics of the Tango "El Caburé"

They call me The Caburé

because I’m

a guy who instills fear

wherever I go

and more so, I possess the virtue

to love

the gentlest dove

who wants to love.

That’s why you’ll see me leave

eagerly

as soon as night begins

without fear

and as I spread my broad wings

I proudly display a heartfelt love.

When I sing my song

there’s no woman

who can resist

the urge to love

without the prey

being able to escape,

for by just gazing

I enchant her

with the clever intent

of winning her love,

like one who seeks

in the gardens of life

the most fragrant flower.

Everyone envies

the virtues

of my faith

and women

tremble with fear

as soon as they hear

talk

of the Caburé.

It’s in vain that they try to prevent me

from courting

her who must pay

the fire of my great

passion

from my song.
And if some fool

dare

to resist

against my invincible faith by force,
all his life,
I swear, he shall remember
who the Caburé is.

El Caburé by Roberto Lino Cayol

El Caburé is a Tango written by Roberto Lino Cayol and composed by Arturo De Bassi.



Story behind the Tango El Caburé

“El Caburé” narrates the self-portrayal of a man known by the nickname ‘El Caburé’, which is a reference to a type of owl known for its cunning and predatory nature. The lyrics describe him as a feared individual, revered for his ability to charm and captivate the ‘gentlest dove’ or woman. The protagonist prides himself on his prowess and ability to allure women through his song and presence, expressing a romantic yet somewhat sinister self-confidence.



Symbolism of El Caburé

The symbolism in “El Caburé” is deeply rooted in the nature of the owl, which is often associated with wisdom but also with predatory instincts. The use of this bird as a metaphor for the protagonist highlights his dual nature—both wise in the ways of love and predatory in his romantic pursuits. The phrases “extendiendo mis anchas alas” (extending my broad wings) and “la más perfumada flor” (the most scented flower) add depth to this portrayal, suggesting a blend of grace and strategic intent in his romantic conquests.



El Caburé in historic Context

Created in 1927 in Argentina, a period marked by social and cultural transitions, “El Caburé” reflects the complexities of gender dynamics and romantic interactions of the time. The Tango, often a reflection of common societal themes, here explores themes of desire, power, and dominance, resonating with the listener’s understanding of passionate, if not tumultuous, love stories which were a significant aspect of the cultural fabric in Latin American and particularly Argentine society.



Roberto Lino Cayol

Roberto Lino Cayol was an influential figure in the world of Tango, deeply admired for his lyrical prowess that often explored complex emotions and societal themes.