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El tarta

El tarta is a Tango written by José María Rizzuti and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1933. The Tango El tarta is written by José María Rizzuti, Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded El tarta with the singer Roberto Ray.
The piece of music, “El Tarta,” translates to “The Stutter” in English. This evocative name captures the rhythm’s staggered pauses and unexpected flurries, mirroring life’s unpredictable beats. As the melody sways, it tells tales of vulnerability and resilience, each note a testament to finding grace amid hesitation.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Roberto Ray

Singer

Emilio Fresedo

Author

José María Rizzuti

Composer

1933/11/28

Date

Roberto Ray
Roberto Ray
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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El tarta recorded by other Orchestras

El tarta recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango El tarta

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

Letra del Tango El tarta

Yo no tango tungo tengo,
yo me ca ca cachen diez empieza el lio;
es la luenga lunga lengua
que se hamaca, que se araca atranca digo.
Yo jamón, jamás la pata
nunca mato, nunca meto qu’embromar;
y pa’ calma, colmo peso
paso el día sin hablar.

Yo lluvia, llave llevo treinta abriles sobre mí.
Soy pobre y muy enredo, pero honrado de verdad;
soy toro, no, soy tero, soy soltero y no soy gil,
y pronto vento y piba he de casar.
Por norma parlo poco porque peco por hablar;
la viaje, vieja dice que su hijita no es pa’ mí,
que nato, nata, nota mi defecto mucho más
y al ñudo es forcejear nació pa’ mí.

Tengo mecha, mucha cancha
y aún sin pleto, plato, plata voy en fija
si al casorio se me oponen.
Yo me escupo, yo me escapo con la chiva
con la chica digo y vale,
que si el vento que si el vento es pa’ mi mal
de mi pucho, pecho sale
el amor que he de brindar.

English lyrics of the Tango "El tarta"

I don’t have any tango technique,
starts the trouble when I say ten;
it’s the long, longer tongue
swaying, jamming, I mean to say.
I never ham it up, nor do I ever
kill or cheat anyone;
and to keep calm, atop it all,
I spend the day without speaking.

I carry, key to decades of rain above me.
I’m poor and complicated, but truly honest;
I’m a bull, no, rather a wily bird, a bachelor, and no fool,
and soon enough, wind and girl, I’m set to wed.
By rule, I speak little because I sin when I talk;
the old lady says her little girl isn’t for me,
believing I’m born with a stark flaw,
and it’s futile to resist; she was born for me.

I have spark, plenty of room
and even without claim, dish, dime I’m certain
if they oppose the wedding.
I spit, I escape with the goat,
with the girl I mean, and it’s worth it,
because if the wind, if the wind is against me
from my struggle, my heart releases
the love I have to offer.

El tarta by Emilio Fresedo

El tarta is a Tango written by Emilio Fresedo and composed by José María Rizzuti.

Story behind the Tango El tarta

“El tarta” captures the daily struggles and emotional turmoil of a man with a stutter, portrayed through the clever use of repetitive consonants that mimic his speech impediment. The lyrics are a heartfelt confession of his challenges and aspirations, revealing his self-awareness and resilience. Despite his speech issues, the protagonist expresses a strong desire for love and acceptance, emphasizing his honesty and noble intentions.

Symbolism of El tarta

The key phrases “yo no tango tungo tengo,” and “es la luenga lunga lengua” highlight his speech difficulties, serving both as a literal explanation and a metaphor for the obstacles he faces in life. The repetition and alterations in word sounds create a rhythmic disruption akin to his daily experiences. The tango’s title, “El tarta” translates to “The Stutterer” in English, directly pointing to the central element of his identity that he confronts throughout the song.

Moreover, the mention of “jamón, jamás la pata” uses wordplay to inject humor and lightness into his situation, revealing his optimistic attitude in the face of adversity.

El tarta in historic Context

Recorded in 1933 in Argentina, “El tarta” emerged during a significant period in Argentine history, where tango music often reflected the social realities and struggles of its people. The era was marked by economic challenges and a growing sense of social awareness and cultural identity. The protagonist’s speech impediment and his narrative about societal acceptance can be seen as a metaphor for the larger societal issues faced by marginalized groups during this time. The lyrics do not mention specific locations or persons, focusing instead on the personal experience and inner world of the stutterer, making his story universal and timeless.

Emilio Fresedo

Emilio Fresedo was a prolific Argentine musician and bandoneon player, renowned for his contributions to the tango genre during its golden age.