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El retobao

El retobao is a Tango written by Juan Rezzano and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1942. The Tango El retobao is written by Juan Rezzano, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El retobao with the singer Héctor Mauré.
“El Retobao,” or “The Rebelled One,” is a dance of defiance, capturing the spirit of unruly passion. In its rhythm and melody, the piece embodies an untamed energy, a sense of resistance against conformity and constraint. As each note unfolds, the music tells a story of unyielding spirit, celebrating the fierce freedom of an untamed heart.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Héctor Mauré

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Juan Rezzano

Composer

1942/7/21

Date

Héctor Mauré
Héctor Mauré
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango El retobao

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

Letra del Tango El retobao

Yo soy del tiempo de los cortes y quebradas
Guapo y compadrón
Retobao y dulzón,
Pues siempre mi compás
Supo de pronto conquistar,
El corazón de la flor más maleva.
Pa´ qué negarlo, yo soy altanero
Por el suburbio me di siempre entero.
Soy de los tiempos cuando el rubio Pichinango
Se perdió,
A los requiebros de un tanguito flor.

Soy milonguero de corazón
Y de modesta condición,
Canción maleva, sentimental
Con su sabor tradicional.
Quién me vio, quién me ve
Soy así, siempre igual
Retobao y dulzón, entrador y cordial.

Mi compás compadrón, no me deja mentir
Y un recuerdo dejé dondequiera que fui,
Soy milonguero de corazón
Me juego entero donde voy.

English lyrics of the Tango "El retobao"

I hail from the era of cuts and dips,
Dashing and full of flair,
Striking and sweet,
For my rhythm always knew
How to swiftly conquer
The heart of the wildest flower.
Why deny it, I am proud,
In the suburbs, I always gave my all,
I am from the times when blonde Pichinango
Got lost,
To the flattery of a fine tango.

I’m a milonguero at heart
And of modest condition,
A sentimental, rogue song
With its traditional flavor.
Who saw me, who sees me,
I remain the same,
Striking and sweet, approachable and warm.

My confident rhythm, it won’t let me lie,
And a memory I left wherever I went,
I’m a milonguero at heart,
I give my all wherever I go.

El retobao by Francisco Lío

El retobao is a Tango written by Francisco Lío and composed by Juan Rezzano.

Story behind the Tango El retobao

“El retobao” captures the bold and spirited essence of the milonga, a social setting where tango is danced. The lyrics express the pride and characteristics of a traditional milonguero (tango dancer) who is renowned for his gregarious and cheerful demeanor. The term “retobao” typically refers to someone who is proud and a bit boastful, fitting the narrative’s self-portrayal of a man who is spirited and valiant, enthralled in the culture of tango dancing and the social admiration it brings.



Symbolism of El retobao

The repeated assertion “Soy milonguero de corazón” symbolizes a deep-seated identity and pride in belonging to the milonga culture. This dedication transcends mere participation, illustrating a vital part of the narrator’s essence. References to “los cortes y quebradas” and “canción maleva, sentimental” evoke the intricate moves of tango dancing and its intertwined emotional landscape, representing the dance’s traditional complexity and emotional depth. Moreover, terms like “maleva” subtly honor the tango’s origins in Buenos Aires’ lower-class neighborhoods, reflecting a resilient, bold spirit.



El retobao in historic Context

Released in the early 1940s, “El retobao” reflects a period when tango was a pivotal aspect of Argentine culture, embodying national sentiment amid global and domestic upheavals. Tango during this time served not only as entertainment but also as a cultural statement of resilience and identity, offering solace and continuity in a rapidly changing world. The mention of “el rubio Pichinango” hints at specific figures or perhaps metaphorical characters representative of urban myths or influential personas in the local tango scene. These references could personalize the song, making it resonate more with those familiar with the locales and characters of the era.



Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío was a prominent Argentine tango lyricist known for his contributions to tango music, capturing the essence of the dance’s golden age.