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Infamia

Infamia is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discepolo and recorded by Francisco Rotundo in 1953. The Tango Infamia is written by Enrique Santos Discepolo, Francisco Rotundo has recorded Infamia with the singer Floreal Ruiz.
“Infamia” translates to “infamy” in English, a word steeped in scandal and shame. This evocative piece, whether whispered through the pulse of a Tango or the haunting notes of a poetic ballad, captures the essence of betrayal’s sting. It dances with the shadow of dishonor, weaving tales of passion bruised by deceit, leaving echoes of secrets and shattered trust.

Tango

Style

Francisco Rotundo

Orchestra

Floreal Ruiz

Singer

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Author

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Composer

1953/4/6

Date

Floreal Ruiz
Floreal Ruiz
Francisco Rotundo
Francisco Rotundo

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Infamia recorded by other Orchestras

Infamia recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Infamia

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

Letra del Tango Infamia

La gente, que es brutal cuando se ensaña,

la gente, que es feroz cuando hace un mal,

buscó para hacer títeres en su guiñol,

la imagen de tu amor y mi esperanza…

A mí, ¿qué me importaba tu pasado…?

si tu alma entraba pura a un porvenir.

Dichoso abrí los brazos a tu afán y con mi amor

salimos, de payasos, a vivir.



Fue inútil gritar

que querías ser buena.

Fue estúpido aullar

la promesa de tu redención…

La gente es brutal

y odia siempre al que sueña,

lo burla y con risas despeña

su intento mejor…

Tu historia y mi honor

desnudaos en la feria,

bailaron su danza de horror,

sin compasión…



Tu angustia comprendió que era imposible,

luchar contra la gente es infernal.

Por eso me dejaste sin decirlo, ¡amor!…

y fuiste a hundirte al fin en tu destino.

Tu vida desde entonces fue un suicidio,

vorágine de horrores y de alcohol.

Anoche te mataste ya del todo y mi emoción

te llora en tu descanso… ¡Corazón!



Quisiera que Dios

amparara tu sueño.

muñeca de amor

que no pudo alcanzar su ilusión.

Yo quise hacer más

pero sólo fue un ansia.

Que tu alma perdone a mi vida

su esfuerzo mejor.

De blanco al morir,

llegará tu esperanza,

vestida de novia ante Dios…

como soñó.

English lyrics of the Tango "Infamia"

People, who are brutal when they rage,
people, who are fierce when they do harm,
sought, for their puppet show,
the image of your love and my hope…

To me, what did your past matter…?
if your soul entered a pure future.
Happily, I opened my arms to your desire and with my love
we went out, as clowns, to live.

It was useless to shout
that you wanted to be good.
It was stupid to howl
the promise of your redemption…
People are brutal
and always hate those who dream,
they mock and with laughter dash
their best attempts…
Your story and my honor
stripped at the fair,
danced their dance of horror,
without compassion…

Your anguish understood that it was impossible,
fighting against people is hellish.
That’s why you left without saying it, love!…
and you went to sink at last into your destiny.
Your life since then was a suicide,
a whirl of horrors and alcohol.
Last night you killed yourself completely and my emotion
cries for you in your rest… Heart!

I wish that God
would shelter your dream.
A doll of love
that couldn’t reach its illusion.
I wanted to do more
but it was just a yearning.
May your soul forgive my life
its best effort.
Dressed in white at death,
your hope will arrive,
dressed as a bride before God…
as she dreamed.

Infamia by Enrique Santos Discepolo

Infamia is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discepolo and composed by Enrique Santos Discepolo.



Story behind the Tango Infamia

The lyrics of “Infamia” revolve around a poignant narrative of love and societal judgment. It tells the story of a woman whose past is scorned by the public, making her relationship with the narrator a subject of brutal mockery and disdain. Despite her attempts to redeem and purify herself for a future with her lover, society relentlessly destroys her attempts and dreams. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of judgment and unable to fight the societal norms, she leaves her partner, eventually succumbing to a tragic fate marked by despair and addiction. The song speaks to the harsh reality of how societal cruelty can crush personal redemption and love.



Symbolism of Infamia

“Infamia” uses powerful symbolism to enhance its emotional depth. The term “infamy” itself signifies an extreme loss of reputation caused by shameful acts, which in the context of the tango, is applied undeservedly to the woman by society. The references to puppets in a show highlight how the individuals are manipulated and ridiculed by public opinion. Contrastingly, the imagery of the woman as a “love doll” at the end symbolizes her reduction from a person with agency and dreams to a mere object of pity and scorn, showcasing the dehumanizing effect of societal judgment.



Infamia in Historic Context

“Infamia” was created in 1953, a period in Argentina marked by political instability and cultural conservatism. During this time, societal norms were particularly harsh against women who deviated from the traditional roles or had a tarnished past. The tango, thus, not only portrays a personal love story but also serves as a critique of the societal attitudes of the era that stifled individual redemption and transformed personal struggles into public spectacles. This song reflects the clash between conservative societal values and the emerging quests for personal freedom and respect.



Enrique Santos Discepolo

Enrique Santos Discepolo was an influential Argentine tango lyricist, composer, and playwright, known for his deep and poignant portrayals of human emotion and social criticism.