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El comandante

El comandante is a Milonga written by Domingo Félix Basso y Domingo Pisera and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1952. The Milonga El comandante is written by Domingo Félix Basso y Domingo Pisera, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El comandante with the singer Armando Laborde.
The Commander, “El Comandante,” is the soul of this evocative melody. As its notes waltz through the air, authority and passion intertwine, painting the tale of a leader who commands both respect and love. The rhythm speaks of unyielding strength and the tender humanity that lies beneath his stern exterior.

Milonga

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Armando Laborde

Singer

Roberto Mercado

Author

Domingo Félix Basso y Domingo Pisera

Composer

1952/11/12

Date

Armando Laborde
Armando Laborde
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Yo no sé por qué te quiero – 1959/9/14
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José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Milonguita (Esthercita) – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Rosicler – 1959/9/14

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.

1952/11/12 – Viejo smoking – Juan D-Arienzo
1952/11/12 – Un alma buena – Juan D-Arienzo
1952/11/12 – Siempre tu en mi corazon – Juan D-Arienzo
1952/11/12 – Florida – Juan D-Arienzo
1952/11/12 – El romantico – Juan D-Arienzo

Lyrics Translation of the Milonga El comandante

This is the translation of the Milonga “El comandante” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Milonga “El comandante” have been done with AI.

Letra del Milonga El comandante

Me llaman “El comandante”

Pues dirijo corazones,

Y con muchas precauciones

Soy un sobrador campante.

Hago broncar al tunante

Con mi pinta gardelera,

Y me mando a la bodega

A los chivos atorrantes.



Yo esquivo en esta vida

Todas las clases de escollos,

Eso sí, nunca hago embrollo

En corazones de pibas.

No hay mina que no reciba

Un poquito de caricia,

Porque a mí me sobra ciencia

No soy barco a la deriva.



En agua de tiburones

Cuido yo la embarcación,

Porque en cualquier ocasión

Se roban los corazones.

Llevo siempre perdigones

Juntitos a la cintura,

Porque los muy caraduras

Se hunden en pretensiones.



Si a pensar yo me detengo

Al ver piantarse los años,

No me asustan desengaños

Con hombría los detengo.

A los ranunes, prevengo

Que no apuren los abriles,

Porque yo aprendí entre giles

Lo que hoy, de vivo tengo…

English lyrics of the Milonga "El comandante"

They call me “The Commander”

For I lead hearts,

And with many precautions

I’m an outstanding show-off.

I anger the scoundrel

With my Gardel-like style,

And I send to the cellar

The sleazy freeloaders.

In this life, I dodge

All sorts of obstacles,

Indeed, I never mess up

With girls’ hearts.

There’s no woman who doesn’t receive

A little bit of affection,

Because I overflow with expertise

I’m not a ship adrift.

In shark-infested waters

I take care of the ship,

Because on any occasion

Hearts are stolen.

I always carry pellets

Close to my waist,

Because the brazen ones

Sink in pretensions.

If I stop to think

Watching the years flee,

Disappointments don’t scare me

With manliness, I hold them back.

To the foolish, I warn

Not to rush their springs,

Because I learned among the naive

What today, makes me astute…

El comandante by Roberto Mercado

El comandante is a Tango written by Roberto Mercado and composed by Domingo Félix Basso y Domingo Pisera.



Story behind the Tango El comandante

“El comandante” translates to “The Commander” in English, a title that contextualizes the narrator as a leader not on the battlefield but in the fluid, dynamic realm of emotion and interpersonal relationships. Throughout the lyrics, the narrator portrays himself as a savvy, experienced man who navigates the complexities of romantic and social encounters with skill and authority. He avoids the turmoil of love (“En corazones de pibas”) and maintains a protective stance against deceit, all the while reveling in his charm and mastery over social interactions.



Symbolism of El comandante

The use of military and nautical imagery throughout the tango elevates the mundane to the epic. Terms like “comandante” (commander) and metaphors involving ships and “tiburones” (sharks) suggest that navigating through life and love is akin to guiding a ship through dangerous waters. This symbolism might be a reflection on the nature of personal integrity and leadership—being a commander of one’s own life amidst the chaotic sea of emotions and societal norms. The reference to “perdigones” (pellets) symbolized readiness and defense, preparing oneself for potential betrayals or pitfalls in human interactions.



El comandante in historic Context

Recorded in 1952, a period marked by significant political and social changes in Argentina, “El comandante” carries undertones of personal autonomy and cautious engagement with the world. In post-war Argentina, themes of leadership, vigilance, and resilience would resonate widely, reflecting the country’s collective navigation through a period of recovery and change. This backdrop enriches the lyric’s focus on personal mastery and self-direction, possibly mirroring the nation’s own narrative of overcoming adversity and steering through uncertain times.



Roberto Mercado

Roberto Mercado was an Argentine poet and lyricist known for his poignant and emotionally rich tangos.