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La limosna

La limosna is a Tango written by Juan José Guichandut and recorded by Alfredo De Angelis in 1949. The Tango La limosna is written by Juan José Guichandut, Alfredo De Angelis has recorded La limosna with the singer Julio Martel.
“La limosna,” meaning “The Alms” in English, is a poignant reflection on the act of giving. It evokes images of outstretched hands and whispered hopes, capturing the quiet dignity and vulnerability in asking for help. This piece weaves a tapestry of compassion and humanity, reminding us of the profound impact of small acts of kindness.

Tango

Style

Alfredo De Angelis

Orchestra

Julio Martel

Singer

Horacio Sanguinetti

Author

Juan José Guichandut

Composer

1949/12/13

Date

Julio Martel
Julio Martel
Alfredo De Angelis
Alfredo De Angelis

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Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El llorón – 1936/12/19
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Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Vieja milonga – 1939/4/5
Osvaldo Fresedo – Cuartito azul – 1939/10/13
Osvaldo Fresedo – La cumparsita – 1979/10/30
Osvaldo Fresedo – Vida mía – 1945/7/25
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Osvaldo Fresedo – Siempre siempre – 1944/11/9

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.

1949/12/13 – Carro viejo – Alfredo De Angelis
1949/12/14 – Divina – Osmar Maderna
1949/12/14 – Nube gris – Osmar Maderna
1949/12/19 – El potro – Juan D-Arienzo
1949/12/19 – Mi carinito – Juan D-Arienzo

Lyrics Translation of the Tango La limosna

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

Letra del Tango La limosna

En la puerta de un palacio, un pobre niño mendigaba
¡Tengo hambre, tengo frío, tenga usted de mí, piedad!
Era agosto, pleno invierno y la lluvia taladraba
A su débil cuerpecito que era carne de orfandad.
Esa noche había baile y llegaban hombres ricos
Con mujeres muy hermosas al espléndido festín,
Y pasaban, egoístas, sin mirar al pobre niño
Que era un ángel con andrajos, que era un rubio querubín.

Un pedazo de pan duro, mordisqueaba amargamente
Repitiendo con tristeza: ¡Déme un níquel, por favor!
Y la música llegaba con sus notas estridentes
Como un látigo llegaba hasta el alma del menor.
Pasó en esto otro mendigo, un mendigo de experiencia
Un anciano que sabía la manera de pedir,
Y al mirar al muchachito conmovióse su conciencia
Y con voz aguardentosa se le oyó decir así:

Recitado:
Nunca pidas tu limosna donde hay fiesta y hay riqueza
Que la gente que es alegre, nada sabe del dolor,
En los tristes cementerios y también en las iglesias
Siempre se halla un alma buena y un piadoso corazón.

Esta noche es para hombres y por eso te aconsejo
Que abandones esta puerta donde nada te darán,
Toma hijo, esta limosna que te niegan hoy los ricos
Toma hijo, estas monedas que te alcanzan para pan.

English lyrics of the Tango "La limosna"

At the gate of a palace, a poor boy begged
“I’m hungry, I’m cold, please have pity on me!”
It was August, peak of winter, and the rain pierced through
His frail little body, which was marked by orphanhood.
That night there was a dance, and wealthy men arrived
With very beautiful women at the splendid feast,
And they passed, selfish, without noticing the poor boy
Who was an angel in rags, a golden-haired cherub.

He bitterly nibbled on a piece of hard bread
Repeating sadly: “Please give me a nickel!”
And the music reached him with its shrill notes
It struck his soul like a whip, that young boy.
Along came another beggar, a beggar of experience
An old man who knew the way to ask,
And seeing the little boy, his conscience was touched
And with a hoarse voice he was heard to say:

Spoken:
Never ask for your alms where there is celebration and wealth
For people who are merry, know nothing of pain,
In the sad cemeteries and also in churches
You always find a kind soul and a compassionate heart.

Tonight is for men, and so I advise you
Leave this door where they will give you nothing,
Take, son, this charity that the rich deny you today
Take, son, these coins that are enough for bread.

La limosna by Horacio Sanguinetti

La limosna is a Tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti and composed by Juan José Guichandut.



Story behind the Tango La limosna

“La limosna” vividly portrays the plight of a poor child begging at the door of a mansion, amidst a festivity involving wealthy attendees. Set against the harsh backdrop of an Argentine winter, the child’s plea for compassion (“¡Tengo hambre, tengo frío, tenga usted de mí, piedad!”) juxtaposes the apathy of the wealthy, highlighting societal indifference towards poverty and suffering. The imagery of him chewing a piece of hard bread and the callous indifference of party goers elevates the tragic narrative, culminating in an encounter with an experienced beggar who advises him on the realities of soliciting alms.



Symbolism of La limosna

The title “La limosna” translates to “The Alms” in English, symbolizing the scant sustenance given to the less fortunate. Key phrases such as “que la gente que es alegre, nada sabe del dolor,” suggest the ignorance of the wealthy towards the hardships of the impoverished. The tango uses settings like the cemetery and church (“En los tristes cementerios y también en las iglesias”) as metaphors for places where compassion might still exist, drawing a stark contrast to the materialistic celebration at the mansion.



La limosna in historic Context

Recorded in 1949, “La limosna” reflects post-World War II Argentina’s complex social fabric where rapid urbanization and industrial growth coexisted with stark inequalities. The tango, a genre rooted in the urban underclass, often used these themes to reflect social realities. During this period, Argentina was witnessing political changes and social movements that would shape its identity, with figures like Juan Domingo Perón coming to power, advocating for the working class. Against this backdrop, “La limosna” can be seen as a poignant commentary on social indifference and the enduring human struggle for dignity and survival.



Horacio Sanguinetti

Horacio Sanguinetti was an influential poet and playwright in Argentina, renowned for his rich contributions to the tango lyrics that often explored themes of social injustices and emotional depth.