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El encopao

El encopao is a Tango written by Osvaldo Pugliese and recorded by Osvaldo Pugliese in 1985. Osvaldo Pugliese has recorded El encopao as an instrumental Tango.
“El Encopao,” translated into English as “The Swaggering One,” evokes the graceful yet confident stride of someone who carries themselves with a bold elegance. This piece of music captures the essence of self-assuredness, weaving through life’s dance with a mesmerizing blend of rhythm and flair. It’s a celebration of individuality, where each note tells the story of pride and presence.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Pugliese

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Enrique Dizeo

Author

Osvaldo Pugliese

Composer

1985/12/26

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pugliese

Discover Other Orchestras

Horacio Salgán – La casita de mis viejos – 1969/1/1
Horacio Salgán – Boedo – 1952/6/23
Horacio Salgán – Tierra querida – 1951/5/30
Horacio Salgán – Ilusión de mi vida – 1952/4/9
Horacio Salgán – La clavada – 1950/5/4
Carlos di Sarli – Motivo sentimental – 1944/7/28
Carlos di Sarli – Arlequín – 1929/1/8
Carlos di Sarli – Bahia Blanca – (unknown date)
Carlos di Sarli – Los treinta y tres orientales – 1955/6/28
Carlos di Sarli – El paladín – 1941/12/11
Francisco Rotundo – La casita esta triste – 1953/6/26
Francisco Rotundo – Mala suerte – 1954/7/8
Francisco Rotundo – Yo soy aquel muchacho – 1955/6/9
Francisco Rotundo – Libertad – 1956/5/22
Francisco Rotundo – Destino de flor – 1957/6/6
Quinteto Don Pancho (Francisco Canaro) – El ciruja – 1939/9/14
Quinteto Don Pancho (Francisco Canaro) – El flete – 1939/3/30
Quinteto Don Pancho (Francisco Canaro) – La viruta – 1938/12/13
Quinteto Don Pancho (Francisco Canaro) – Muñeca de cristal – 1937/9/29
Quinteto Don Pancho (Francisco Canaro) – Milonga de mi flor – 1940/4/18

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.

El encopao recorded by other Orchestras

El encopao recorded by other Orchestras

1985/12/26 – La cancion de Buenos Aires – Osvaldo Pugliese
1985/12/26 – Arrabal – Osvaldo Pugliese
1985/12/26 – Los mareados – Osvaldo Pugliese
1985/12/26 – Desde el alma – Osvaldo Pugliese
1985/12/26 – A Evaristo Carriego – Osvaldo Pugliese
El encopao – 1942/9/1 – Anibal Troilo – Francisco Fiorentino
El encopao – 1969/5/1 – Osvaldo Pugliese – Abel Cordoba
El encopao – 1985/11/11 – Osvaldo Pugliese – Instrumental
El encopao – 1985/12/26 – Osvaldo Pugliese – Instrumental
El encopao – 1942/10/22 – Enrique Rodriguez – Armando Moreno
El encopao – 1979/5/22 – Armando Pontier – Roberto Goyeneche

Letra del Tango El encopao

Me llaman El Encopao
los que no saben lo que me ha pasao
y me ven hecho un cualquiera…
¡Que digan lo que digan,
que ya no me hace mella!
Me llaman El Encopao
como si el que anda así pierde el honor
y no piensan que el que mata
su rabia entre unas copas
tiene su razón.

¡Total, qué le importa a ella
que viva como yo vivo!
Siempre metido en el boliche de esa esquina
que ha dejado de ser linda
por su olvido.
¡Total, qué le importa a ella
que viva como yo vivo!
Mareado de caña y de recuerdos, noche y día,
día y noche, por su vida
que es mi amor.

Me dicen El Encopao
y no es mentira que voy mal rumbeao…
¡Todo por una morocha
que me marcó una güeya
de penas y de sombras!
Me llaman El Encopao
pero conmigo nadie va a jugar
porque los hombres se encuentran
y entonces cara a cara
hay que corajear.

English lyrics of the Tango "El encopao"

They call me The Drunk
those who don’t know what has happened to me
and see me as just anyone…
Let them say what they will,
no longer does it wound me!
They call me The Drunk
as if one who wanders thus loses honor
and they don’t consider that he who kills
his rage with a few drinks
has his reasons.

After all, what does she care
about how I live!
Always holed up in the bar on that corner
which has ceased to be lovely
due to her forgetfulness.
After all, what does she care
about how I live!
Dizzy from rum and memories, night and day,
day and night, for her life
which is my love.

They call me The Drunk
and it’s true I’m heading down a bad path…
All for a dark-haired girl
who left me a trail
of sorrows and shadows!
They call me The Drunk
but nobody’s going to play me
because men do meet
and then face to face
you have to show courage.

El Encopao by Enrique Dizeo

El Encopao is a Tango written by Enrique Dizeo and composed by Osvaldo Pugliese.



Story behind the Tango El Encopao

“El Encopao,” which translates to “The Drunk” in English, delves into the emotional turmoil of its protagonist, referred to by this nickname. The song’s lyrics reveal a man scorned by love, resorting to alcohol as a means to soothe his pain and anger. This tango narrates the personal descent and societal judgment faced by someone who combats emotional suffering with substance abuse, reflecting a critique on how people interpret and misinterpret personal strife.



Symbolism of El Encopao

The song utilizes various symbolic elements to deepen its emotional narrative. The persistent mention of “El Encopao” highlights the societal label imposed on the protagonist, showcasing a battle with identity and perception. References to the boliche (tavern or small bar) on the corner illustrate a place once cherished now tainted by memories and sorrow. The metaphor of navigating through a life drowned in “caña” (a cheap alcoholic drink) and shadows signifies the protagonist’s murky, painful journey prompted by a forsaken love.



El Encopao in historic Context

Released in 1985, during a period of significant political and social change in Argentina, “El Encopao” captures the essence of individual struggles amid broader societal dynamics. The era was marked by the return of democracy after years of military dictatorship, which could imply a broader reflection on freedom and personal downfall within the context of newfound societal liberty. The geographical context, set in the vibrant yet harsh streets of Buenos Aires, adds a layer of authenticity and cultural richness to the tango’s narrative, portraying the urban struggle and nightlife that many can relate to.



Enrique Dizeo

Enrique Dizeo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and tango composer known for his profound and emotive lyrics, discussing themes of love, betrayal, and the human condition.