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 cicatriz is a Tango written by and composed by Raúl Aguirrezabalaga.
The lyrics of “La cicatriz” tell a story of a man who was once famous in his neighborhood for his bravado and toughness. However, his former glories have faded, and he is left with nothing but a scar—a mark of past battles, a tangible reminder of the life he once led. In the area of La Aguada, his dominance and fury have vanished over time. The tale is one of confrontation with one’s past prowess and facing the passage of time that diminishes physical power and reputation.
The titular “cicatriz” or “scar” serves as a profound symbol in the lyrics. It represents the physical and emotional wounds of past experiences—tangible evidence of what was once a robust and perhaps reckless life. The scar serves as a “recuerdo” or memory, essentially the only remaining testament to his former identity and reputation. Phrases like “te dejaron como muestra” underline how the scar is a proof, something forever visible that tells of a past confrontation and defeat. The use of “balconearla” suggests a shift from active involvement to passive observation, signaling a transition from youthful action to reflective aging.
Composed in 1939 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, “La cicatriz” reflects the cultural and social atmosphere of the time, particularly the tango milieu, where themes of nostalgia, masculinity, and the inevitability of time would have resonated deeply with the audience. Buenos Aires was, and still is, the heart of tango culture, a space where personal narratives of struggle and survival are poetically danced and sung. The neighborhood of La Aguada serves as a backdrop, indicative of the local color and life that would influence how the communities perceive such tales of bravado turned retrospect.
Raúl Aguirrezabalaga was a prominent composer in the genre of tango, contributing to the rich tapestry of Argentine music with works that explore the human condition and its varied emotions.