Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

La mariposa

La mariposa is a Tango written by Pedro Maffia and recorded by Osvaldo Pugliese in 1966. Osvaldo Pugliese has recorded La mariposa as an instrumental Tango.
“La mariposa,” meaning “The Butterfly” in English, flutters through the air with grace and delicate beauty. Its wings carry a story of transformation, embodying the fleeting, ephemeral nature of life. Each note of the tango dances like a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors, capturing moments of elegance and freedom that transcend time.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Pugliese

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Pedro Maffia

Composer

1966/4/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Osvaldo Pugliese
Osvaldo Pugliese

Discover Other Orchestras

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 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"

It’s not that I regret
having loved you so much;
what pains me is your forgetting,
and your betrayal
plunges me into bitter weeping.
If only you could see! I am so sad
that I sing instead of crying…
If it was for your own good that you left,
for your own good,
I must forgive you.

After sipping from the rosebush of my love,
betrayer, you leave
in search of another flower’s charm…
And searching for the purest,
the prettiest in color,
you dazzle it with your beauty,
only to later
deceive it with your love.

That afternoon I saw you,
I liked your figure,
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,
I never imagined
the bitterness of your betrayal…

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

Be careful, butterfly,
of mesmerizing loves…
Do not let the glares,
of some false passion blind you
because then you’ll 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

“La mariposa” translates to “The Butterfly” in English, a title that evokes images of beauty, transformation, and perhaps, impermanence. The lyrics narrate the story of love filled with betrayal and sorrow. It speaks from the perspective of a person who, despite being deeply hurt by a loved one’s betrayal and abandonment, contemplates forgiveness for the sake of the other’s happiness. The speaker details their emotional journey from adoration to heartbreak, and finally to a somber resignation, using the metaphor of a butterfly that flits from one flower to another, seeking yet deceiving.



Symbolism of La mariposa

The butterfly in these lyrics symbolizes both beauty and the capacity for betrayal, as it moves from one flower to another, deceitfully. This suggests a transient nature in love and affection, highlighting a theme of inconstancy and betrayal. Phrases like “¡Si vieras! Estoy tan triste que canto por no llorar…” exhibit a profound emotional depth, portraying the speaker’s attempt to mask immense sorrow with artistic expression, a common theme in tango lyrics. The repeated references to deceit and heartbreak resonant with the darker, more cynical views on love, typical of many tango songs.



La mariposa in historic Context

Written and recorded in Argentina in 1966, “La mariposa” reflects the rich tango culture of Buenos Aires, a genre deeply woven into the city’s history. By the mid-20th century, tango was not only a dance but also a medium for storytelling, often revolving around themes of love, betrayal, and the struggles of the lower classes. The tango scene during this time was a reflection of the urban experience, capturing the emotional complexities of life in Argentina’s bustling metropolis.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, famous for his vivid portrayals of urban life and the complexities of love.