Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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 and composed by Enrique Delfino.
“Haragán” directly translated to English means “Lazy” or “Idle”, and the tango choses a playful yet confrontational tone to explore themes of laziness and refusal to work. The lyrics describe a protagonist who is vehemently opposed to labor, preferring instead to daydream while resting. Intriguingly, the lyrics employ a humorous approach to critique the lifestyle of the ‘haragán’, ultimately addressing the economic and emotional responsibility expected within a household.
The repeated references to laziness and avoiding work are vivid in the lyrics with phrases like “La esquena se te frunce si tenés que laburarla”, indicating that even the back cringes at the thought of work. Symbolism is rich throughout the tango; for example, the bells of Balvanera could symbolize the passage of time, reminding the lazy individual of the day wasted. The use of “Cachafaz”, meaning a cheeky or audacious man, reinforces the character’s rebellious dismissal of societal expectations. The transformation of the individual into a societal prototype of laziness (“prototipo de atorrante robusto, gran bacán”) reflects not just personal but social commentary on idleness.
Created in post-World War II Argentina, “Haragán” arrives at a time when the country was undergoing significant social and economic transformations. The 1940s in Argentina were marked by the rise of industrialization and urban migration, contexts that highlight the demand for labor and the disdain for idleness. This tango, with its humorous yet pointed criticism of laziness, mirrors the societal push towards productivity and economic contribution during this era. The mention of “Primero de Mayo” or International Workers’ Day underscores the significance placed on labor and its value to society.
A prolific artist, Manuel Romero was an influential composer and lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for his sharp wit and incisive social commentary.