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El Caburé

El Caburé is a Tango written by Arturo De Bassi and recorded by Adolfo Carabelli in 1932. Adolfo Carabelli has recorded El Caburé as an instrumental Tango.
“El Caburé” translates to “The Caburé” in English, referring to a small owl known for its mysterious gaze and haunting presence in the night. In this piece, the music captures the caburé’s silent flight through moonlit shadows, weaving a tale of intrigue and enchantment. It invites the listener to explore the nocturnal dance of secrets and whispers in the vibrant rhythms of a tango.

Tango

Style

Adolfo Carabelli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Roberto Lino Cayol

Author

Arturo De Bassi

Composer

1932/10/28

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Adolfo Carabelli
Adolfo Carabelli

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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 am

a man who instills fear

wherever I go

and furthermore, I have the gift

of being able to love

the gentlest dove

who wishes to love.

That’s why you’ll see me set out

eagerly

as soon as night begins to fall

fearlessly

and as I spread my wide wings

I flaunt a profound love.

When I sing my song

there is no woman

who can resist

the urge to want to love

without the prey

being able to escape,

for by just gazing at her,

I enchant her

with my shrewd intention

to win her love,
like one who seeks

in the gardens of life

the most fragrant flower.

Everyone envies

the virtues

of my faith

and the women

tremble with fear

as soon as they hear

talk

of the Caburé.

It is futile for them to prevent me

from courting

the one who must endure

the fire of my great

passion
of my song.
And if some foe

decides

to confront

with force my invincible faith,
for all his life,

I swear, he will 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

The song “El Caburé” narrates the tale of a self-assured, almost feared man known by the nickname ‘El Caburé,’ which translates to ‘The Little Owl’ in English. This character boasts about his charm and skill in winning over the most gentle-hearted women he desires. He views himself as a nocturnal predator, akin to an owl, skillfully enchanting women with his song and presence as the night falls.



Symbolism of El Caburé

In these lyrics, the nickname “El Caburé” symbolizes predatory prowess and a magnetic allure. The extension of his “wide wings” and his ability to mesmerize women simply with his gaze enhance the imagery of an alluring, yet potentially menacing figure. The references to hunting and not letting the prey escape play into the deeper themes of control and irresistible attraction. The owl, a creature that hunts under the cover of night, serves as a fitting metaphor for someone who claims dominion over the hearts of others in dark or secretive settings.



El Caburé in historic Context

Created in 1932 in Argentina, “El Caburé” emerged during a time when Tango music often explored themes of love, passion, and sometimes darker, more obsessive undertones. The imagery and language reflect a society deeply entrenched in traditional roles of machismo, where the male figure often took a dominant and sometimes imposing stance in romantic pursuits. This was also reflected in the dance of Tango itself, characterized by its dramatic, assertive movements and intense connections.



Roberto Lino Cayol

Roberto Lino Cayol was an influential author in the Tango scene, known for projecting vivid narratives and strong character profiles through his lyrics.