Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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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.
Haragán is a Tango written by Manuel Romero, Luis Bayón Herrera and composed by Enrique Delfino.
“Haragán” translates to “Lazy” or “Slacker” in English, painting a vivid picture of someone resistant to work and responsibilities. The lyrics voice a mixture of candid confrontation and wry humor, addressing the subject’s laziness, especially in the face of societal expectations. The song converses directly with a man who shirks his duties, possibly in a romantic or familial context, highlighting frustrations associated with supporting a partner who is unwilling to contribute. This narrative is not uncommon in tango lyrics, which often explore themes of love, disappointment, and societal commentary.
The use of specific phrases like “si tenés que laburarla” (if you have to work) and “¡Ganate tu pan!” (Earn your bread!) symbolizes the basic societal expectation from each individual to contribute to labor. The character in the song, described as a natural born “sultan” who assumes a life void of labor, expresses a clear deviation from this norm. The clock of Balvanera striking time symbolically reminds the protagonist of time passing while he remains unproductive. The lyrics utilize mockery and exaggeration to highlight the protagonist’s behavior, describing him as the “captain” of the team not working, blending realism with a sarcastic critique of laziness.
Being written in 1928, “Haragán” emerges during a period when Argentina was experiencing significant social and economic changes. Immigration, urbanization, and the formation of a more distinct urban working class shaped societal attitudes. The Tango, often emerging from the urban underclass and working people, served as a medium to comment on personal and socio-economic issues. “Haragán” not only reflects personal relationship dynamics but also offers a snapshot of societal expectations regarding work ethic in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Manuel Romero and Luis Bayón Herrera were key figures in Argentine culture, each contributing significantly to the theatre and film industries, often incorporating popular music trends like Tango into their works.