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 mate amargo is a Tango written by Marvil and composed by Oscar Herrero.
The tango “El mate amargo” revolves around an emotional reflection expressed through a recitative style, conveying the remorse and reflections of a person woken up by their mother with a bitter mate, a traditional South American drink. The repeated call to listen “¡Oigan muchachos!” emphasizes the importance of the lesson being imparted, which is essentially a lament over misspent youth and the neglect of familial responsibilities. The narrator acknowledges the pain caused to his mother, described as old and disillusioned, reflecting regret over “burning” his life and “killing” her dreams.
The bitter mate (“mate amargo”) itself is a powerful symbol within the lyrics. Traditionally a communal and sociable drink, its bitterness here contrasts with its usual warmth, representing the bitter realities of life decisions and their consequences. The recurring theme of youth’s reckless abandonment leading to later remorse is encapsulated as the narrator reflects on the folly of trading fleeting pleasures for lasting pain. Key phrases like “Damos todo por un rato / De placer” (We give everything for a moment of pleasure) and “Llorará sobre sus canas” (Will cry over her gray hair) poignantly depict the deep emotional cost of such choices.
“El mate amargo” was recorded in 1951, a time when Argentina was experiencing significant political and social changes. The song can be seen as a reflection of the personal and societal conflicts of the era. Post World War II Argentina was marked by the rise of Juan Domingo Perón, bringing with him a mix of populism and nationalistic fervor. In this context, the lyrics may parallel the country’s collective introspection over its past choices and the ongoing cost those choices imposed on its people, particularly its older generations. The personal regrets of the narrator echo a broader narrative of national reflection and possibly remorse.
Marvil, an Argentine lyricist, was known for his poignant and evocative tango lyrics that often reflected deeper societal emotions and individual human conditions.