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El negro cambambá

El negro cambambá is a Milonga written by Osvaldo Pugliese and recorded by Osvaldo Pugliese in 1967. The Milonga El negro cambambá is written by Osvaldo Pugliese, Osvaldo Pugliese has recorded El negro cambambá with the singer Abel Córdoba.
“El negro cambambá,” translated as “The Black Cambambá,” is a piece that resonates with the soulful echo of a forgotten era. The name evokes images of resilience and strength, encapsulating the spirit of a man whose story is woven into the fabric of this tango. It’s a tribute to enduring spirit and rhythm, celebrating life’s dance against adversity.

Milonga

Style

Osvaldo Pugliese

Orchestra

Abel Córdoba

Singer

Juan Carlos Bagalá

Author

Osvaldo Pugliese

Composer

1967/11/1

Date

Abel Córdoba
Abel Córdoba
Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pugliese

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Lyrics Translation of the Milonga El negro cambambá

This is the translation of the Milonga “El negro cambambá” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Milonga “El negro cambambá” have been done with AI.

Letra del Milonga El negro cambambá

Cuando el sol está creciendo
Sale el negro Cambambá,
Con un sueño en el sombrero
Y un amor en el ojal…
Por la orilla del domingo
Va a buscar felicidad,
De contento que camina
Más parece que candombea.

A su paso charolao
El reluz de la ciudad,
Y el manchón de su sonrisa
Pone risa en los demás.
Los gorriones de la esquina
Que le gritan al pasar,
Apurate que el domingo
Tiene ganas de bailar.

Dale ahora, dale negro
No la dejes escapar,
Apretale el movimiento
Y encerrala en el compás…
Dice no, pero es mentira
Piensa si será verdad,
Me parece que la cosa
Ya se está por aclarar.

English lyrics of the Milonga "El negro cambambá"

When the sun begins to climb,
Out comes black Cambambá,
With a dream in his hat
And love on his lapel…
By the edge of Sunday
He searches for joy,
So happy in his stride
It seems more like he’s dancing a candombe.

On his shiny path
The city gleams,
And the patch of his smile
Spreads laughter to others.
The corner sparrows
Shout as he goes by,
Hurry up because Sunday
Is eager to dance.

Go on now, give it your all,
Don’t let her slip away,
Tighten up the movement
And trap her in the rhythm…
She says no, but it’s a lie,
Wonder if it’s true,
It seems like things
Are about to clear up.

El negro cambambá by Juan Carlos Bagalá

El negro cambambá is a Tango written by Juan Carlos Bagalá and composed by Osvaldo Pugliese.



Story behind the Tango El negro cambambá

“El negro cambambá” depicts the vibrant life of an Afro-Argentine individual known affectionately by the nickname “cambambá.” The lyrics portray this character’s journey through the streets with a hopeful demeanor, characterized by the dream on his hat and love symbolized as a flower in his suit’s lapel. The imagery suggests he is in search of happiness, a theme underscored by his vibrant and rhythmic movement, akin to a dance known as candombe, implying his joy and how he captivates the town’s spirits on a Sunday.



Symbolism of El negro cambambá

The tango uses symbolic references to highlight themes of hope, joy, and celebration. “A dream on the hat” symbolizes hope and aspirations, while “love in the lapel” represents the passion and driving force in one’s life. The vibrant descriptions of Cambambá’s movement, likening it to a dance, underscore an uncontainable joy and a communal spirit. Furthermore, mentions of his smile brightening the city and sparrows cheering him on suggest a communal connection and impact on those around him.



El negro cambambá in historic Context

The tango was written and recorded in 1967 during a socially and politically vibrant era in Argentina. This period was marked by significant cultural expressions where music often served as a narrative of the people’s feelings and societal issues. “El negro cambambá” mirrors this dynamic, encapsulating the essence of Afro-Argentine communities and the broader theme of searching for happiness amidst societal challenges. The song’s references to local elements, like the lively Sundays and community interactions, place it deeply within the Argentine cultural fabric of the time.



Juan Carlos Bagalá

Juan Carlos Bagalá was an Argentine Tango lyricist known for his contributions to the genre, infusing his work with local color and emotional depth.