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.
La calesita se destrozó is a Tango written by Antonio Bernárdez, Dave Franklin, Cliff Friend and composed by Cliff Friend.
The tango “La calesita se destrozó” is a nostalgic reflection on the fleeting nature of joy and the relentless passage of time. The lyrics describe a scene where the speaker revisits a carousel, a staple of childhood amusement, only to find it broken and in disarray. The recurring phrase “La calesita se destrozó” translates to “The carousel broke down,” symbolizing the end of innocence and the harsh confrontations with reality as one grows older.
In “La calesita se destrozó,” the carousel represents both a literal and metaphorical journey. It evokes nostalgia for simpler times, serving as a vessel for memories of youth, familial bonds, and generational continuity (“Jugábalo mi papá, mi abuelo y su papá”). The destruction of the carousel not only marks the physical deterioration of these memories but also signifies the inevitable decay of all things subjected to the ravages of time. The phrase “Oh! ilusión de un tiempo fugaz” further deepens the lament, acknowledging the illusion and ephemeral nature of youthful delight.
The song was recorded in 1937, a period marked by increasing global tensions and the cusp of World War II. In Argentina, this era was a time of significant cultural and social shifts. The metaphor of a breaking carousel could resonate with the broader societal changes and the sense of an ending era, encapsulated in personal and communal loss. It showcases the power of tango as a reflective medium for larger social commentaries, embedding personal grief in broader historical narratives.
Antonio Bernárdez, Dave Franklin, and Cliff Friend were contributors to this tango, blending rich narratives with melodious composition to explore themes of nostalgia and loss.