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El Caburé

El Caburé is a Tango written by Arturo De Bassi and recorded by Héctor Varela in 1966. Héctor Varela has recorded El Caburé as an instrumental Tango.
“El Caburé,” translated into English as “The Caburé,” refers to a small, swift owl native to the forests of South America. In the context of a tango, “El Caburé” captures the spirit of the nocturnal bird’s agility and mystery, weaving through the shadows. This piece of music embodies the dance’s intricate rhythms and elusive allure, much like the owl’s silent flight beneath the moonlit canopy.

Tango

Style

Héctor Varela

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Roberto Lino Cayol

Author

Arturo De Bassi

Composer

1966/10/23

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Héctor Varela
Héctor Varela

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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 Pygmy Owl

because I am

a man who inspires fear

wherever I go

and more, I possess the virtue

to love

the gentlest dove

who wants to love.

That’s why you’ll see me eagerly

setting out

as soon as it starts to get dark

without fear,

and as I spread my wide wings

I express a heartfelt love.

When I sing my song

there isn’t a woman

who can hold back

the urge to love

without the prey

being able to escape,

because by merely looking at her

I bewitch her

with shrewd persistence

to attract her love,

like someone searching

in the gardens of life

for the most fragrant flower.

Everyone envies

the virtues

of my faith,

and women tremble in fear

as soon as they hear

talk

of The Pygmy Owl.

It’s in vain that they try to stop me

from courting

the one who must pay

the fire of my great

passion

for my song.

And if some wretch

dares

to stand in the way

of my invincible faith,

all his life,

I swear, he will remember

who The Pygmy Owl 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 narrative of “El Caburé” revolves around a captivating character who assumes the nickname “El Caburé”, associating himself with a bird of prey known for its prowess and ability to captivate its target. In the lyrics, this character takes pride in his ability to charm and attract the gentlest of women (“la palomita más gentil”) through his passionate singing and confident presence. Notably, he claims his presence causes fear in women, yet they cannot resist his allure when he begins to sing.


Symbolism of El Caburé

The song uses the metaphor of a bird with “wide wings” (likely the caburé, a tough owl native to Central and South America) to portray the man’s prowess and allure. The repeated notion of fear and fascination connected to El Caburé suggests a dance of power and vulnerability in romantic interactions. The term “dragonear” symbolizes his fiery, almost dragon-like ardor for love. Phrases like “extend my wide wings” and “the most fragrant flower in the gardens of life” mix natural and romantic imagery, suggesting a deep, instinctive passion. El Caburé’s ability to charm with “just a look” juxtaposes predator and seducer, insinuating both dominance and appeal in love.


El Caburé in historic Context

The tango “El Caburé” from 1966 reflects a period in Argentina marked by political and social upheaval, including the rise of authoritarian rule. In this context, the portrayal of El Caburé as a dominant, fearless character who maneuvers through challenges (“if any rival attempts to confront”) and imposes his love despite resistance, can be seen as mirroring the assertive ideologies of the era. His self-assured nature and the respect he commands, often feared and envied (“all envy the virtues of my faith”), reflect a societal admiration for bold, assertive characters capable of influencing or controlling their destinies and environments.


Roberto Lino Cayol

Roberto Lino Cayol was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the genre of tango, capturing complex human emotions and societal narratives through his lyrical storytelling.