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La mariposa

La mariposa is a Tango written by Pedro Maffia and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1945. Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded La mariposa as an instrumental Tango.
“La mariposa,” which translates to “The Butterfly” in English, flutters through the air like a dance of soft, colorful notes. The melody captures the delicate grace of transformation, unfolding beauty and freedom with each graceful turn. In its gentle sway, the music evokes a sense of fleeting moments, reminiscent of how life blossoms and then delicately slips away.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Pedro Maffia

Composer

1945/8/23

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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La mariposa recorded by other Orchestras

La mariposa recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango La mariposa

No es que esté arrepentido
de haberte querido tanto;
lo que me apena es tu olvido
y tu traición
me sume en amargo llanto.
¡Si vieras! Estoy tan triste
que canto por no llorar…
Si para tu bien te fuiste
para tu bien
yo te debo perdonar.

Después de libar traidora
en el rosal de mi amor
te marchas, engañadora,
para buscar
el encanto de otra flor…
Y buscando la más pura,
la más linda de color,
la ciegas con tu hermosura
para después
engañarla con tu amor.

Aquella tarde que te vi
tu estampa me gustó,
pebeta de arrabal,
y sin saber por qué yo te seguí
y el corazón te di
y fue tan sólo por mi mal.
Mirá si fue sincero mi querer
que nunca imaginé
la hiel de tu traición…

¡Qué solo y triste me quedé,
sin amor y sin fe
y derrotado el corazón!

Ten cuidado, mariposa,
de los sentidos amores…
No te cieguen los fulgores
de alguna falsa pasión
perque entonces pagarás
toda tu maldad,
toda tu traición.

English lyrics of the Tango "La mariposa"

I’m not sorry
for having loved you so much;
it’s your forgetfulness that pains me,
and your betrayal
plunges me into bitter tears.
If only you knew! I’m so sad
that I sing to keep from crying…
If leaving was for your good,
then for your good
I must forgive you.

After sipping, traitor,
from the rosebush of my love,
you leave, deceiver,
to seek
the charm of another flower…
And searching for the purest,
the one with the loveliest hue,
you blind it with your beauty
only to later
deceive it with your love.

That afternoon when I saw you
I liked your style,
girl from the outskirts,
and without knowing why I followed you,
gave you my heart
and it was only to my detriment.
Look how sincere my love was
that I never imagined
the bitterness of your betrayal…

How alone and sad I was left,
without love and without faith,
and with a defeated heart!

Be careful, butterfly,
of those passionate loves…
Don’t let the glares
of some false passion blind you,
because then you will pay
for all your wickedness,
all your betrayal.

La mariposa by Celedonio Flores

La mariposa is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Pedro Maffia.



Story behind the Tango La mariposa

The tango “La mariposa” echoes a tale of love, betrayal, and sorrow. It captures the theme of a loving and sincere heart facing the painful reality of being forgotten and deceived. The narrator expresses deep remorse not for loving intensely, but for the hurt that follows the beloved’s departure and betrayal. This creates a narrative not just about lost love, but also about the process of forgiveness and the poignancy of memory.



Symbolism of La mariposa

“La mariposa,” translating to “The Butterfly” in English, serves as a profound symbol in the lyrics. The butterfly, known for its beauty and its transient nature, mirrors the fleeting, yet beautiful, moments of love experienced by the narrator. The reference to the butterfly sipping from the “rosal de mi amor” (rosebush of my love) and then leaving for other flowers symbolizes betrayal and inconstancy in love. Additionally, the warnings towards the butterfly about the dangers of superficial attractions encapsulate a broader message about the consequences of emotional recklessness.



La mariposa in historic Context

Created in Argentina in 1945, shortly after World War II, “La mariposa” exists against a backdrop of widespread societal reflection and change. This period prompted introspection into personal and collective experiences of loss and rebuilding. The tango might capture not only personal heartbreak but also a national sentiment of recovery and caution in the aftermath of the war, thus resonating deeply with its audience. Furthermore, the utilization of the traditional tango format connects it to a sense of cultural heritage and resilience.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and lyricist, celebrated for his contributions to the tango genre. His works often explored themes of love, betrayal, and urban life.