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 llorón is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Juan Maglio.
“El llorón,” which translates to “The Crybaby” in English, channels a playful yet introspective exploration of love and masculinity. The narrator openly admits to being tender-hearted (“soy pa’ el amor muy blando”) and confesses that he uses his tears strategically to win over women. The term “llorón” repeatedly echoed throughout the song teases him, yet he embraces this epithet, justifying that weeping often succeeds in attraction (“yo bien sé que es el llorón”). This tango captures the ironic pride in adopting what might typically be seen as an unmanly attribute and demonstrates it as a tool for emotional and romantic conquest.
The lyrics of “El llorón” are rich with symbolism and a notable play on traditional gender roles. By embracing the label of “llorón,” the singer subverts the usual connotation of weakness associated with a man who cries, instead showing it as a strength or tactic in love (“a veces llora el que más liga”). This juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability, along with the title itself, serves as a key tool for interpreting themes of genuineness versus facade in romantic pursuits. The phases like “soy un artista” further interestingly paint his emotional expression as an art form, perhaps mocking the idea that his tears are just a performance rather than genuine expression.
The tango “El llorón” was composed in 1944, a period post-World War II when the world, including Argentina, was undergoing significant changes. During this time, tango music often reflected deep emotional struggles, nostalgia, and societal changes. Argentina itself was facing political turbulence and identity shifts, which intensified emotional expressions in tango. By incorporating unconventional emotional expression through a male protagonist who cries, Cadícamo could be commenting on broader societal shifts towards the acceptance of diverse masculine identities during a time when traditional roles and norms were being questioned.
Enrique Cadícamo was a prolific Argentine poet and tango lyricist whose contributions significantly shaped the tango genre in the 20th century. Known for his rich language and deep emotional themes, Cadícamo’s works often delve into themes of love, nostalgia, and societal commentary.