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El monito

El monito is a Tango written by Julio De Caro and recorded by Osvaldo Pugliese in 1945. Osvaldo Pugliese has recorded El monito as an instrumental Tango.
“El Monito,” meaning “The Little Monkey” in English, sways with the lively rhythm of a mischievous tango. The melody dances through the air with playful steps and a hint of cheekiness, inviting listeners to join its joyful caper. It’s a celebration of whimsy and freedom, where every note leaps with the spirit of mischief and exuberance.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Pugliese

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Juan Carlos Marambio Catán

Author

Julio De Caro

Composer

1945/6/12

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pugliese

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El monito recorded by other Orchestras

El monito recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango El monito

‘Mi monito’ me llamó

la piba de mi amor,

la que mi corazón robó y que,

en mi pobre bulín,

me amó con berretín

sin conocer dolor.

El bulín fue nido fiel

de mi primer amor,

donde gocé su gran pasión de amar.

Y fue mi fiel mujer

poniendo en mí su fe,

su puro corazón.



La piba cantábame así:

Si yo quiero vivir

juntito a tu amor,

tu amor,

que curó mi dolor.

¿Por qué

me dejás corazón?

Sin ti,

morirá mi pasión.

Así,

mi pebeta cantó,

mi pebeta cantó su canción.

¡Qué ingrata pasó

su fugaz ilusión!



Mi monito no dirá,

Monito de mi amor.

Mi corazón hoy la buscó en su afán

sin poder ya gozar

la luz de su mirar,

la miel de su pasión.

Mi pebeta ya se fue

y nunca volverá.

Talvez irá rodando al cabaret,

buscando en su dolor,

alivio al champán,

olvido a mi desdén.

English lyrics of the Tango "El monito"

“My little monkey,” she called me,
the girl of my love,
who stole my heart, and who,
in my humble room,
loved me passionately,
without knowing pain.

The room was a faithful nest
of my first love,
where I enjoyed her great passion to love.
And she was my faithful woman,
placing her trust in me,
her pure heart.

The girl used to sing to me like this:
If I want to live
close to your love,
your love,
that healed my pain.
Why
do you leave me, my heart?
Without you,
my passion will die.
Thus,
my girl sang,
my girl sang her song.
How ungrateful passed
her fleeting illusion!

My little monkey won’t say,
“Little monkey of my love.”
My heart sought her eagerly today
unable to enjoy anymore
the light of her gaze,
the honey of her passion.
My girl has gone
and will never return.
Perhaps she’ll end up in a cabaret,
seeking in her pain,
relief in champagne,
forgetting my disdain.

El monito by Juan Carlos Marambio Catán

El monito is a Tango written by Juan Carlos Marambio Catán and composed by Julio De Caro.

Story behind the Tango El monito

The lyrics of “El monito” describe a heart-wrenching story of love and separation. “Mi monito” is a term of endearment used by a woman for the man she loves, suggesting a deep intimacy and affection. The narrative unfolds in the man’s modest dwelling (“bulín”), which once was a faithful nest to their love, filled with passion and commitment. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that the woman has left, and the man is left grappling with her absence and a sense of betrayal, pondering on her possible descent into a more decadent lifestyle (“Talvez irá rodando al cabaret”).

Symbolism of El monito

“El monito” (literally “my little monkey”) is symbolically rich, suggesting a playful, cherished relationship now soured. The repetition of endearing terms and the poignant shift from past joy to present sorrow emphasize the emotional contrast. The bulín, or small rented room, symbolizes their humble, cozy love sanctuary, which transforms into a site of desolation. The recurring theme of the cabaret in the closing lines hints at loss and perhaps, the woman’s downfall or an attempted escape from sorrow through the nightlife.

El monito in historic Context

Composed in mid-1945, “El monito” by Juan Carlos Marambio Catán reflects the social and cultural undercurrents of Argentina during a tumultuous historical period. Post-World War II Argentina was marked by significant political and social changes, and tango music often captured the melancholic sentiment of the populace. The narrative of broken relationships, despair, and fleeting escapism in “El monito” encapsulates the mood of an era fraught with uncertainty and transformation.

Juan Carlos Marambio Catán

Juan Carlos Marambio Catán was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the genre of tango, marking his works with deep emotional undertones and complex narratives.