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 monito is a Tango written by Juan Carlos Marambio Catán and composed by Julio De Caro.
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”).
“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.
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 was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the genre of tango, marking his works with deep emotional undertones and complex narratives.