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.
Judas is a Tango written by Carmelo Santiago and composed by Carlos Marchisio.
“Judas” exposes a tale of profound personal betrayal and emotional suffering. The lyrics poignantly convey the agony of a person who adored their partner deeply, only to be betrayed and abandoned due to material greed. The song expresses the narrator’s realization of loss and the depth of their despair, contextualized through the lyrical dialogue about struggling with poverty while preserving dignity. The mention of an overwhelming loneliness that led to tears during solitude highlights a raw emotional outpouring that anyone who has experienced abandonment can relate to.
The lyrics of “Judas” intertwine deep emotional betrayal with biblical references, enhancing the dramatic impact of the story. The character of Judas in the Christian Bible is synonymous with betrayal, and Santiago cleverly invokes this symbol to compare the lover’s betrayal to that of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This comparison not only amplifies the depth of the treachery but also universalizes the experience by linking it to a well-known historical and religious narrative. This allusion is vividly captured in the lines where the betrayal is equated to being sold out for material gain, akin to Jesus’s betrayal by Judas.
Recorded in 1942 Argentina, “Judas” by Carmelo Santiago is set against a backdrop of a historically rich yet tumultuous period. Post-1930s Argentina was marked by significant social and political changes, including the rise of Peronism. The economic disparities and societal shifts could be influencing factors in the thematic focus on poverty, dignity, and betrayal. The contrasting fortunes of the characters in the song could also reflect the wider societal disparities prevalent at the time, making the Tango not only a personal story of betrayal but also a commentary on the broader social dynamics.
Carmelo Santiago was a notable figure in the Tango world, whose works often delved into themes of love, betrayal, and societal observations.