Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

La cantina

La cantina is a Tango written by Aníbal Troilo and recorded by Miguel Caló in 1954. The Tango La cantina is written by Aníbal Troilo, Miguel Caló has recorded La cantina with the singer Alberto Podestá.
“La cantina,” which translates to “The Tavern” in English, evokes the whispers of lost souls and tales woven through time’s fabric. Within its melody, one can almost see the dim glow of lanterns casting shadows on weathered walls, where laughter and longing meet. Each note tells a story of heartache and celebration, a dance of life’s fleeting, passionate embrace.

Tango

Style

Miguel Caló

Orchestra

Alberto Podestá

Singer

Cátulo Castillo

Author

Aníbal Troilo

Composer

1954/6/15

Date

Alberto Podestá
Alberto Podestá
Miguel Caló
Miguel Caló

Discover Other Orchestras

Adolfo Carabelli – El cantar de los gitanos – 1931/12/24
Adolfo Carabelli – Romance – 1933/1/1
Adolfo Carabelli – Milonga sentimental – 1932/1/1
Adolfo Carabelli – Remembrance – 1929/1/1
Adolfo Carabelli – Canción de amor – 1931/6/15
Rodolfo Biagi – Mis amores de ayer – 1945/9/6
Rodolfo Biagi – Canción de rango (Pa’ que se callen) – 1943/4/29
Rodolfo Biagi – Hoy te quiero mucho más – 1945/11/30
Rodolfo Biagi – Duerme mi niña – 1963/1/1
Rodolfo Biagi – Adiós pampa mía – 1946/1/31
Domingo Federico – El huérfano – 1945/5/15
Domingo Federico – La cancion del jardin – 1960/1/1
Domingo Federico – La culpa la tuve yo – 1944/4/10
Domingo Federico – La mazorquera de Monserrat – 1947/4/18
Domingo Federico – Vos y yo corazón – 1965/1/1
Francisco Rotundo – Resignate hermano – 1952/5/19
Francisco Rotundo – Poema para mi madre – 1955/12/6
Francisco Rotundo – Marejada – 1950/7/6
Francisco Rotundo – Infamia – 1953/4/6
Francisco Rotundo – Una copa nada más – 1949/1/1

Recommended

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 cantina recorded by other Orchestras

La cantina recorded by other Orchestras

1954/6/15 – Como le digo a la vieja – Miguel Calo
1954/6/10 – El pollito – Edgardo Donato
1954/6/10 – Que globera – Edgardo Donato
1954/6/22 – Canzoneta – Alfredo Gobbi
1954/6/22 – Cuatro novios – Alfredo Gobbi
La cantina – (unknown date) – Anibal Troilo – Jorge Casal
La cantina – 1954/6/15 – Miguel Calo – Alberto Podesta

Lyrics Translation of the Tango La cantina

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

Letra del Tango La cantina

Ha plateado la luna el Riachuelo

y hay un barco que vuelve del mar,

como un dulce pedazo de cielo

con un viejo puñado de sal.

Golondrina perdida en el viento,

por qué calle remota andará,

con un vaso de alcohol y de miedo

tras el vidrio empanado de un bar.



La cantina

llora siempre que te evoca

cuando toca, piano, piano,

su acordeón el italiano…

La cantina,

que es un poco de la vida

donde estabas escondida

tras el hueco de mi mano.

De mi mano

que te llama silenciosa,

mariposa que al volar,

me dejó sobre la boca, ¡sí!

su salado gusto a mar.



Se ha dormido entre jarcias la luna,

llora un tango su verso tristón,

y entre un poco de viento y espuma

llega el eco fatal de tu voz.

Tarantela del barco italiano

la cantina se ha puesto feliz,

pero siento que llora lejano

tu recuerdo vestido de gris.

English lyrics of the Tango "La cantina"

The moon has silvered the Riachuelo

and there’s a ship returning from the sea,

like a sweet piece of heaven

with an old handful of salt.

Lost swallow in the wind,

which remote street is it on now,

with a glass of alcohol and fear

behind the fogged-up window of a bar.

The cantina
always cries when it recalls you,
when it softly, softly,
plays its accordion, the Italian…
The cantina,
that’s a bit of life,
where you were hiding
behind the hollow of my hand.
From my hand
that silently calls you,
butterfly that flew away,
and left me with the taste of salty sea on my lips, yes!
its salty taste of sea.

The moon has fallen asleep among the rigging,
a tango cries its melancholy verse,
and between a little wind and foam
comes the fatal echo of your voice.
Tarantella of the Italian ship,
the cantina has become happy,
but I feel that far away,
your memory dressed in gray, cries.

La cantina by Cátulo Castillo

La cantina is a Tango written by Cátulo Castillo and composed by Aníbal Troilo.

Story behind the Tango La cantina

“La cantina” reflects the vibrant, melancholic soul of Buenos Aires, capturing a scene typical of the city’s nocturnal waterside life. The lyrics are haunted by the silver moonlight over the Riachuelo, a river that has witnessed the city’s historical layers, presenting an image of a returning boat—”como un dulce pedazo de cielo”—evoking both hope and nostalgia. This scene is not just of geographical relevance but serves as a backdrop to the human story unfolding, a metaphor for journeys, returns, and the unchanged, persistent allure of a love that remains, waiting, hidden yet profound.

Symbolism of La cantina

The cornerstone of “La cantina” lies in its symbolism, with music—the accordion’s lament—and settings—the misted bar windows—painting layers of deep emotion and memory. The cantina, or bar, is anthropomorphized; it cries, recalling past love, enhancing the theme of longing and the pain of remembrance. The imagery of the lost seagull in the wind navigating along obscure paths yet trapped in a cycle of fear and alcohol speaks volumes about the turmoil of the heart. Furthermore, hands in the lyrics symbolize a means of connectivity and intimacy, briefly holding a love now gone yet still palpably present in memory, as salty as the sea.

La cantina in historic Context

The year 1954 in Argentina was a time of political tension and artistic expression. The evocation of local elements like the Riachuelo, and the cultural infusion represented by the Italian accordion, reflect how tango was deeply intertwined with Buenos Aires’ societal fabric. In this context, “La cantina” serves both as an escape and a mirror, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan character while providing an emotional outlet for its people amidst the broader narratives of national identity and personal memory.

Cátulo Castillo

Cátulo Castillo was a prominent figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his deep, evocative lyrics and collaborations with major musicians like Aníbal Troilo.