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El chupete

El chupete is a Tango written by Ricardo Gaudenzio and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1942. Aníbal Troilo has recorded El chupete as an instrumental Tango.
The piece “El Chupete,” meaning “The Pacifier” in English, evokes a vivid dance of soothing nostalgia and tender longing. In its melodies, the spirit of Tango cradles the listener, reminding us of a time when innocence held sway, and comfort was found in simplicity. Its notes weave a tapestry of gentle memories, inviting reflection on life’s simple joys.

Tango

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Antonio Polito

Author

Ricardo Gaudenzio

Composer

1942/10/22

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

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El chupete recorded by other Orchestras

El chupete recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El chupete

Muchacho, si alguna vez un mal
Se ensaña con tu buen corazón,
Luchá con ansias de varón
No ves que así podés triunfar…
Si alguna mató tu gran amor
La barra, feliz te hará vivir,
Seguí su tren con gran valor
Así dejás de sufrir.

Cuando entra a milonguear al cabaret
La barra de “El Chupete”,
Da quehacer a los demás, por su cachet
Que es muy de rechupete;
Esclavos son del copetín
La jarra los domina,
Siempre será su berretín
Al recordar su amor.

El que quiera olvidarse
De las penas de la vida,
Para hacer vivir a su corazón
Y que viva alegre noche y día…
Siempre dice la barra:
“Venga, amigo, no se aflija,
Que la farra es el remedio
Para su mal”.

English lyrics of the Tango "El chupete"

Boy, if ever a malice
preys on your good heart,
fight with the spirit of a man.
Can’t you see that’s how you can win?
If someone killed your great love,
the gang, with joy, will make you live.
Follow their path with great courage,
thus ending your suffering.

When they start dancing at the cabaret,
“The Sucker” gang,
they trouble the rest, for their flair
is quite delightful;
They are slaves to the little drink,
the jug dominates them,
Always their obsession
To remember their love.

Those who want to forget
the sorrows of life,
to bring their heart to life
And to live happily night and day…
The gang always says:
“Come, friend, do not grieve,
For revelry is the remedy
For your ailment.”

El chupete by Antonio Polito

El chupete is a Tango written by Antonio Polito and composed by Ricardo Gaudenzio.

Story behind the Tango El chupete

“El Chupete” reveals a poignant narrative rooted in the ubiquitous struggles of the human heart. Antonio Polito captures the essence of communal support and the escapism found in nightlife when grappling with personal despair and emotional heartbreak. The protagonist is urged to fight like a man against the pain inflicted by abandonment in love, finding solace in the companionship and vibrancy of the group dynamic at a local cabaret known as “El Chupete”. This contrasts the loneliness of his suffering with the collective joy and obliteration of sorrow through social interaction and revelry.

Symbolism of El chupete

The title “El Chupete,” which translates to “The Pacifier” in English, is emblematic in its denotation of comfort and distraction from distress. The cabaret itself becomes a symbol of relief where one can forget life’s troubles through the hedonistic pleasures of drink and dance. Phrases such as “Siempre será su berretín / Al recordar su amor” underlie a perpetual obsession or yearning entwined with memories of lost love, indicating how places like “El Chupete” serve both as a salve and a sweet torment, sustaining the pain while offering a temporary escape.

El chupete in historic Context

Written in 1942 Argentina, “El Chupete” reflects a time of immense global and national tensions during World War II. In this era, tango poetry often grappled with themes of loss, nostalgia, and escapism, providing a counter-narrative to the prevailing societal challenges. The cabaret acts as a microcosm for Argentina itself—a refuge where people could momentarily disengage from the harsh external realities. The reference to “milonguear,” meaning to tango dance in local slang, and the communal act of drinking (“Esclavos son del copetín”), underscores a collective attempt to maintain cultural identity and personal joy amidst broader chaos.

Antonio Polito

Antonio Polito was an Argentine lyricist noted for his contributions to the tango genre. His works often encapsulate themes of love, sorrow, and resilience.