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.
Hombrecito is a Tango written by Luis Alberto Zeballos and composed by Ramón Collazo.
“Hombrecito” translates to “little man” in English. The lyrics dive deep into the life of a young man who is on the brink of adulthood, but whose behaviors and desires linger in the realm of adolescence. The primary themes revolve around growing up, the pressures of societal expectations, and the conflict between youthful idealism and adult realities. The poignant reflections on this transition from youth to adult are narrated through a gentle, yet satirical account of a young man’s daily endeavors.
The young man is portrayed using various symbols that express immaturity and pretentious adulthood. Terms like “cachorrón” (big puppy) and references to sucking on a pacifier depict his juvenile stage. Contrastingly, his attempts to mimic adult behaviors—like going out late, mimicking movie stars, and frequenting adult entertainment venues—are seen as humorous and slightly pitiful, showing his failed attempts to fit into the adult world.
Key phrases such as “que apenas hace un ratito / saliste del cascarón” (you just recently came out of the eggshell) humorously illuminate this struggle, emphasizing the youth’s inexperience and naivety. The repeated line “chupeteando un biberón” (sucking on a baby bottle) symbolizes his unpreparedness for the adult world he’s so eager to join.
Set in 1929 Argentina, “Hombrecito” reflects societal expectations of men during this period. The mention of locales like Pigall and Chantecler, famous cabarets in Buenos Aires, positions the narrative in a cultural and historical setting known for its nightlife and tango culture. This era, following societal chaos post-World War I, saw young men grappling with their identities—torn between conservative family structures and the allure of a burgeoning, cosmopolitan nightlife. Zeballos uses this backdrop to critique and humorously depict the conflict experienced by the new generation.
Luis Alberto Zeballos was an esteemed Argentine lyricist known for his poignant and often humorous takes on contemporary societal themes.