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 maleva is a Tango written by Mario Pardo and composed by Antonio Buglione.
“La maleva” translates to “The Tough Woman” in English, a term rooted deeply in Argentine slang. It details the journey of a woman returning to her roots after a life of indulgence driven by material and superficial desires. Pardo’s character, once the life of opulent milongas and a regular in glamorous bars like Pigall, abandons the dazzling but insincere lifestyle for a return to authenticity. His lyrics capture a profound narrative of repentance, renewal, and the magnetic pull of one’s origins. The contrast between her past and present life describes the soul-deep transformation, emphasizing themes of redemption and personal realignment.
The repeated use of transformative imagery in “La maleva” underscores Pardo’s focus on change and redemption. Phrases like “ya no sos la mantenida” (you are no longer the kept woman) and “volvés a tu vida primera” (you return to your first life) highlight the dramatic shift from dependency to self-embracement. Pardo uses “malevo,” a word suggesting defiance and resilience, to hint at the inner strength required for such a transformation. The transition from the luxury of “copetines” (high-end drinks) to the simplicity of genuine respect within her community represents a cleansing of the soul, reinforced by the embrace of traditional tango music once shed by the protagonist.
Set in 1943 Argentina, “La maleva” emerges during a time of political and social upheaval. World War II impacted globally, while internally, Argentina faced changes leading to the rise of Peronism. The tango, a dance deeply woven into the Argentine culture, often echoed the sentiments of the working class and the disenchanted. In this context, Pardo’s tango captures not only personal redemption but symbolically, a society’s return to core values—a theme resonant with listeners grappling with the uncertainties of the era. The reference to places like “Pigall,” a notable nightlife spot, draws connections between personal spaces and broader cultural narratives, underscoring a return not only to personal integrity but to a collective, cultural identity.
Mario Pardo was a significant figure in Argentine tango, both as a lyricist and composer, known for his poignant narratives and deep emotional resonance in work such as “La maleva.”