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Guardia vieja

Guardia vieja is a Tango written by Julio De Caro and recorded by Pedro Laurenz in 1926. Pedro Laurenz has recorded Guardia vieja as an instrumental Tango.
“Guardia Vieja,” or “Old Guard,” is a resonant tango that echoes the traditions of generations past. Its melodies whisper stories of bygone eras, where the dance floors were alive with fervor and elegance. Through its captivating rhythm, “Guardia Vieja” honors a legacy, preserving the passionate spirit and timeless allure of those who came before.

Tango

Style

Pedro Laurenz

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

José De Grandis

Author

Julio De Caro

Composer

1926/12/28

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Pedro Laurenz
Pedro Laurenz

Discover Other Orchestras

Pedro Laurenz – Vieja amiga – 1938/5/12
Pedro Laurenz – Muchachos mi último tango – 1944/3/1
Pedro Laurenz – Que nunca me falte – 1943/9/22
Pedro Laurenz – Taconeando – 1942/6/16
Pedro Laurenz – La cumparsita – 1953/9/22
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – La trampera – 1969/7/30
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Sobre el pucho (Un callejón en Pompeya) – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Toda mi vida – 1968/8/5
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – La cumparsita – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Milonguero triste – 1969/7/30
Florindo Sassone – Lluvia – 1974/1/1
Florindo Sassone – Rawson – 1959/10/2
Florindo Sassone – Sinforosa – 1950/8/11
Florindo Sassone – Errante vagabundo – 1963/8/22
Florindo Sassone – Una lágrima tuya – 1968/5/15
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Yo no sé por qué te quiero – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Milonguita (Esthercita) – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Nunca tuvo novio – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Rosicler – 1959/9/14

Recommended

These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.

Guardia vieja recorded by other Orchestras

Guardia vieja recorded by other Orchestras

1926/12/28 – Lazos de seda – Pedro Laurenz
1926/12/30 – Todos lloraban – Roberto Firpo
1926/12/30 – Me contaron – Roberto Firpo
1926/12/31 – Triste atardecer – Roberto Firpo
1926/12/31 – Que pua! – Roberto Firpo
Guardia vieja – 1985/4/30 – Osvaldo Pugliese – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1926/12/28 – Pedro Laurenz – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1944/3/23 – Ricardo Malerba – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1954/9/3 – Alfredo De Angelis – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1955/9/16 – Jose Basso – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1965/1/1 – Jose Basso – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1973/1/1 – Hector Varela – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1926/1/1 – Julio De Caro – Instrumental
Guardia vieja – 1949/11/18 – Julio De Caro – Instrumental

Letra del Tango Guardia vieja

Con mi bagayo de penas
voy rumbo p’al olvido,
con mil recuerdos queridos
que nunca olvidaré.
Y se cruzan por mi mente
las farras y las orgías
de aquellos alegres días
que ya para mi no hay de volver.

¡Decirle adiós
a dichas que viví,
qué triste es!
Felicidad
que nunca más
conmigo tendré.
¿Quién calmará
las penas que dejó
el tiempo al pasar?

Fugitivas horas plácidas
de mi juventud consuelo,
¡hoy que tanto las anhelo,
qué lejos están de mí!
Y en su ausencia, horas trágicas
debo vivir.

Fui bacán y hoy soy pato
mas llevo alta la frente
para el amigo insolente
que el saludo me negó.
Bien lo sé que soy don nadie
no tengo ni pan ni techo
pero guardo en mi pecho
el dolor que el amigo me dejó.

English lyrics of the Tango "Guardia vieja"

With my bundle of sorrows,
I head towards oblivion,
with a thousand beloved memories
that I will never forget.
And crossing my mind
are the binges and orgies,
from those joyful days
that will never return for me.

To say goodbye
to the joys I lived,
how sad it is!
Happiness
that will never
be with me again.
Who will soothe
the sorrows left behind
by time as it passed?

Fugitive, pleasant hours
of comfort in my youth,
now so deeply missed,
how far they are from me!
And in their absence, tragic hours
I must live.

I was once affluent, now I’m down and out,
but I hold my head high
for the insolent friend
who denied me a greeting.
I know well that I am a nobody,
with neither bread nor shelter,
but in my chest, I keep
the pain that the friend left me.

Guardia vieja by José De Grandis

Guardia vieja is a Tango written by José De Grandis and composed by Julio De Caro.



Story behind the Tango Guardia vieja

The lyrics of “Guardia vieja” share a deeply introspective and somber narrative, highlighting a journey of both literal and emotional transition. The personages depicted recount their movement towards oblivion (‘olvido’), burdened with cherished yet painful memories that they cannot forget. This scenario may suggest a realization and mourning of lost youth, joy, and a lifestyle once lived but no longer accessible. The phrase “con mi bagayo de penas voy rumbo p’al olvido” translates to carrying one’s sorrows towards forgetfulness, symbolizing an attempt to escape from lingering emotional pain through forgetfulness.



Symbolism of Guardia vieja

The symbolic use of contrasts between joyous past experiences and painful current realities plays a large role in the emotional depth of “Guardia vieja.” Expressions of times filled with “farras y orgías” (celebrations and excesses) signify a vibrant life that has now faded into lonely, tragic hours (“horas trágicas”). Further symbolism is evident in the transformation from a ‘bacán’ (a term for someone wealthy or influential) to ‘pato’ (slang for broke or down-on-luck), illustrating a fall from grace and a loss of respect as “el amigo insolente que el saludo me negó” — the insolent friend who now refuses to greet him. This highlights themes of betrayal and social isolation.



Guardia vieja in historic Context

Historically, “Guardia vieja” was created in an era when Tango was increasingly becoming a reflection of urban life in early 20th century Argentina. Given its 1926 timing, the tango addresses not just personal loss but also broader social changes. During this period, Argentina was experiencing significant shifts due in part to immigration and urbanization, which might have influenced the song’s themes of nostalgia and social alienation. This period reflects a tug between holding onto the past (‘Guardia vieja’ translates to ‘Old Guard’) and facing the inevitable modernity encroaching upon traditional values and lifestyles.



José De Grandis

José De Grandis was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, pairing poignant emotional narratives with the vibrant, complex rhythms of the music.