Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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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.
El encopao is a Tango written by Enrique Dizeo and composed by Osvaldo Pugliese.
The lyrics of “El encopao” depict the story of a man deeply affected by a painful breakup. The term “El encopao,” loosely translating to “The Drunkard” in English, refers to someone heavily indulging in alcohol. The narrator addresses the perception of others who see him as a lost cause, drowned in his sorrows and alcohol due to lost love. He finds himself a regular patron at a corner bar, once beautiful, now tainted by the memories of a lost lover. The man’s descent into melancholy is depicted not with shame, but with a fatalistic acceptance of his new reality.
The tango uses vivid imagery and symbolism to portray the emotional state of the protagonist. Phrases like “mareado de caña y de recuerdos” (dizzy from rum and memories) illustrate his constant struggle with the past and the bottle. The “boliche de esa esquina” (bar at that corner) symbolizes a refuge or a haunting ground, where he dwells on what used to be. The contrast between the joy of love’s past and his present sorrow is deeply emphasized, portraying a life shadowed by the ghost of former love. The narrative technique employed by Dizeo uses the protagonist’s lament as a mirror to the darker, often unspoken, reactions to heartbreak.
“El encopao” was penned and recorded in the late 1960s, a period that experienced significant social and cultural shifts globally and in Argentina. This era in Argentina was marked by political turmoil and a shift towards more conservative politics which may have influenced the tone of the tango, reflecting a general mood of nostalgia and loss. This context likely resonates with the longing and the grit to confront hardships head-on, as expressed in the song, mirroring the broader societal experiences.
Enrique Dizeo was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his rich contributions to the genre of Tango, collaborating with famous composers and leaving a lasting impact with his poignant lyrics.