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Enfundá la mandolina

Enfundá la mandolina is a Tango written by Francisco Pracánico and recorded by Armando Pontier in 1958. The Tango Enfundá la mandolina is written by Francisco Pracánico, Armando Pontier has recorded Enfundá la mandolina with the singer Julio Sosa.
“Enfundá la mandolina,” which translates to “Sheathe the Mandolin” in English, evokes a moment of pause and reflection. It suggests placing the instrument back in its case, symbolizing the end of a passionate performance or an emotional journey. In this silence, the music lingers in the air, whispering stories of love and longing, inviting the listener to savor the quiet resonance left behind.

Tango

Style

Armando Pontier

Orchestra

Julio Sosa

Singer

José Zubiría Mansilla

Author

Francisco Pracánico

Composer

1958/9/16

Date

Julio Sosa
Julio Sosa
Armando Pontier
Armando Pontier

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Enfundá la mandolina

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

Letra del Tango Enfundá la mandolina

Sosegate que ya es tiempo de archivar tus ilusiones,

dedicate a balconearla que pa’ vos ya se acabó

y es muy triste eso de verte esperando a la fulana

con la pinta de un mateo desalquilado y tristón.

No hay que hacerle, ya estás viejo, se acabaron los programas

y hacés gracia con tus locos berretines de gavión.

Ni te miran las muchachas y si alguna a vos te habla

es pa’ pedirte un consejo de baqueano en el amor.



Qué querés, Cipriano,

ya no das más jugo.

Son cincuenta abriles

que encima llevás.

Junto con el pelo

que fugó del mate

se te fue la pinta

que no vuelve más.



Dejá las pebetas

para los muchachos,

esos platos fuertes

no son para vos.

Piantá del sereno,

andate a la cama

que después, mañana,

andás con la tos.



Enfundá la mandolina, ya no estás pa’serenatas,

te aconseja la minusa que tenés en el bulín,

dibujándote en la boca la atrevida cruz pagana

con la punta perfumada de su lápiz de carmín…

Han caído tus acciones en la rueda de grisetas

y al compás del almanaque se deshoja tu ilusión,

y ya todo te convida pa’ganar cuartel de invierno

junto al tuego del recuerdo a la sombra de un rincón.

English lyrics of the Tango "Enfundá la mandolina"

Calm down, for it’s time to file away your illusions,
commit yourself to watching from the sidelines, for you it’s all over,
and it’s quite sad to see you waiting for that woman
looking like a dejected, gloomy tenant without rent.

What can you do, you’re old now, your days are over,
and with your crazy quirks, you really seem out of touch.
The girls don’t even look your way, and if one speaks to you,
it’s just to ask for some expert advice on love.

What more do you want, Cipriano,
you’ve nothing left to give.
You’re carrying fifty springs
on your back.
Along with the hair
that fled your head,
your charm has gone
and won’t come back.

Leave the young girls
to the young lads,
those main dishes
are not for you.
Steer clear of the night air,
go to bed,
because otherwise, tomorrow,
you’ll be coughing.

Put away the mandolin, you’re not up for serenades,
the muse in your small room advises you,
drawing a bold pagan cross on your lips
with the scented tip of her crimson lipstick…
Your stocks have fallen in the market of light girls
and with each page of the calendar, your dream wilts,
now everything invites you to secure a winter quarter
by the fire of memory, in the shade of a corner.

Enfundá la mandolina by José Zubiría Mansilla

Enfundá la mandolina is a Tango written by José Zubiría Mansilla and composed by Francisco Pracánico.



Story behind the Tango Enfundá la mandolina

“Enfundá la mandolina” might be interpreted as a metaphorical call to acknowledge the passing of time and the changes it brings to one’s desires and capabilities. The lyrics, rich in emotional depth and cultural references, paint the picture of an older man named Cipriano, who is advised to retire from the romantic pursuits typical of youth. The phrase “Enfundá la mandolina,” meaning “Put away the mandolin” in English, is symbolic of setting aside youthful endeavors, as playing serenades under a beloved’s window is a gesture associated with young lovers.



Symbolism of Enfundá la mandolina

The recurrent themes of aging and nostalgia are introduced with phrases like “Sosegate que ya es tiempo de archivar tus ilusiones,” urging calm and the shelving of illusions. The mandolin, an instrument commonly linked to serenading in love contexts, symbolizes here the romantic escapades that Cipriano must now leave behind. Furthermore, the advice to stay indoors and avoid the night air “Piantá del sereno, andate a la cama” metaphorically suggests protecting oneself from the harsh realities outside that one might no longer be able to confront as in younger days.



Enfundá la mandolina in historic Context

Recorded in 1958 in Argentina, “Enfundá la mandolina” was created in a post-World War II era where societal norms and personal reflections were undergoing significant transformations. 1950s Argentina was marked by political upheavals and cultural shifts. In this context, the tango could be seen as a reflection on aging with dignity within a society that values youth and vitality. The advice given to Cipriano to leave the stage for younger generations resonates with the broader societal need to respect and understand the stages of life.



José Zubiría Mansilla

José Zubiría Mansilla was an influential figure in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his poignant lyrics that often explored themes of love, melancholy, and human frailties.