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El Tigre Millán

El Tigre Millán is a Tango written by Francisco Canaro and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1940. The Tango El Tigre Millán is written by Francisco Canaro, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El Tigre Millán with the singer Alberto Reynal.
“El Tigre Millán,” or “The Tiger Millán,” roars with the fierce spirit of its namesake. With every note and rhythm, the music prowls confidently, echoing strength and fiery passion. It tells the story of an indomitable soul, capturing the essence of a relentless pursuit, where elegance meets the untamed wild.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Reynal

Singer

Francisco Canaro

Author

Francisco Canaro

Composer

1940/8/22

Date

Alberto Reynal
Alberto Reynal
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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El Tigre Millán recorded by other Orchestras

El Tigre Millán recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango El Tigre Millán

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

Letra del Tango El Tigre Millán

Picao de viruela, bastante morocho,
encrespao el pelo lo mismo que mota
un hondo barbijo a su cara rota,
le daba un aspecto de taita matón.
De carácter hosco, bien fornido y fuerte
afrontó el peligro cual bravo titán,
jamás tuvo miedo ni aún ante la muerte
porque era muy hombre ‘El Tigre Millán’

Pobre Tigre que una noche en Puente Alsina
dos cobardes lo mataron a traición.
Era guapo, de esos guapos más temidos
que la punta desgarrante de un facón.
Mala suerte, pobre Tigre, siempre tuvo
en cuestiones de escolazos y de amor.
Pues no era bien parecido
y fatalmente metido
con la mujer que adoró,
nunca fue correspondido
y ella al fin lo traicionó.

Cuentan que una noche, bramó como fiera
en un entrevero, que hasta hoy se comenta.
Repartiendo hachazos, ¡era una tormenta!
Mostró su coraje venciendo a un malón.
¡Parece mentira, que hombres de tu laya
mueran siempre en manos de un ruin cobardón!
¡Hoy la muchachada, Tigre, te recuerda
y aquella culpable llora su traición.

English lyrics of the Tango "El Tigre Millán"

Pockmarked by smallpox, fairly dark-skinned,
his hair as curly as if tightly wound,
a deep bandage on his scarred face,
gave him the look of a tough enforcer bold.
Of rough demeanor, well-built and strong,
he faced danger like a brave titan,
never did he fear not even death,
because he was truly a man, “The Tiger Millán.”

Poor Tiger, who one night in Puente Alsina
two cowards killed in treacherous plot.
He was brave, one of the most feared,
more than the ripping edge of a knife.
Bad luck, poor Tiger, he always had
in matters of gambling and love.
For he wasn’t handsome
and hopelessly entangled
with the woman he adored,
never was he loved back
and she finally betrayed.

They say one night, he roared like a beast
in a brawl still talked about today.
Swinging blows, he was a storm,
showed his courage defeating a horde.
It’s hard to believe, men of your ilk
always die at the hands of a vile coward!
Today the youth, Tiger, remember you,
and she who wronged you cries her betrayal.

El Tigre Millán by Francisco Canaro

El Tigre Millán is a Tango written by Francisco Canaro and composed by Francisco Canaro.

Story behind the Tango El Tigre Millán

“El Tigre Millán” narrates the life and untimely demise of a character named Millán, also known as ‘El Tigre.’ He is depicted as a tough, brave man with an intimidating presence, marked physically by scars from smallpox and a rough exterior. Despite his fearlessness and reputation as a formidable individual, Millán’s life is marked by personal misfortunes, particularly in love and gambling, which lead to his downfall. The song recounts a night at Puente Alsina where Millán meets his end through betrayal and cowardice, highlighting themes of fate and the unexpected nature of life.

Symbolism of El Tigre Millán

The lyrics employ vivid imagery and symbolism to underscore Millán’s persona. The use of “picao de viruela” and “morocho” paints a picture of his ruggedness, while “taita matón” implies both respect and fear inspired by his presence. His bravery is likened to a “bravo titán,” suggesting strength and heroism. The recurring theme of betrayal, particularly by someone he loved, is emphasized by phrases like “jamás tuvo miedo” juxtaposed with “ella al fin lo traicionó,” illustrating the tension between courage and vulnerability. Millán’s ferocity is further symbolized by “bramó como fiera,” likening him to a wild beast confronting his enemies.

El Tigre Millán in historic Context

Set in the 1940s Buenos Aires, the tango reflects the social milieu of the time, characterized by a culture that revered the toughness and bravado of the “guapo” or tough guy persona. The setting at Puente Alsina, a significant bridge in Buenos Aires known for its social crossroads, serves as a metaphor for the intersections of fate and fortune, highlighting the cultural significance of such locales in Argentine society. The era was marked by urbanization and the expansion of tango as both a musical and cultural expression, making Millán’s story relatable to the common struggles faced by many during that period.

Puente Alsina

Puente Alsina, mentioned in the song, is a notable bridge in Buenos Aires that connects the neighborhoods of Nueva Pompeya and Valentín Alsina. It historically served as a vital crossing point with a rich cultural history, often associated with the working class and the vibrant life of tango culture. It symbolizes a place where various paths and lives intersect, embodying the spirit of Buenos Aires.