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La puñalada

La puñalada is a Milonga written by Pintín Castellanos and recorded by Héctor Varela in 1967. Héctor Varela has recorded La puñalada as an instrumental Milonga.
“La puñalada,” translated as “The Stab” in English, evokes a visceral image that cuts through the soul with profound intensity. This piece speaks the language of passion and betrayal, capturing the moment when emotions overwhelm and linger like an unresolved melody. Each note is a reminder of love’s piercing power and the simultaneous agony and beauty it brings.

Milonga

Style

Héctor Varela

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Pintín Castellanos

Composer

1967/4/18

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Héctor Varela
Héctor Varela

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La puñalada recorded by other Orchestras

La puñalada recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Milonga La puñalada

Mentan los que saben

que un malevo

muy de agallas

y de fama

bien sentada

por el barrio

de Palermo

cayó un día

taconeando

prepotente

a un bailongo

donde había

puntos bravos

pa’l facón.



Lo empezaron a mirar

con un aire sobrador

pero el mozo, sin chistar,

a una puerta se arrimó.



Los dejó sobrar.

Los dejó decir.

Y pa’ no pelear

tuvo que sufrir.



Pero la pebeta

más bonita,

la que estaba

más metida

en el alma

de los tauras,

esa noche

con la vista

lo incitaba

a que saliera

a darles dique

y a jugarse

en un tango

su cartel.



Se cruzó

un gran rencor y otro rencor

a la luz

de un farolito a querosén

y un puñal

que parte en dos un corazón

porque así

lo quiso aquella cruel mujer.



Cuentan los que vieron

que los guapos

culebrearon

con sus cuerpos

y buscaron

afanosos

el descuido

del contrario

y en un claro

de la guardia

hundió el mozo

de Palermo

hasta el mango

su facón.

English lyrics of the Milonga "La puñalada"

Those who know lie

that a tough guy

very gallant

and well-known

throughout the neighborhood

of Palermo

one day fell

strutting

forcefully

into a dance

where there were

tough guys

ready for the knife.

They started to watch him

with a condescending air
but the lad, without a word,
leaned against a door.

He let them be arrogant.
He let them talk.
And to avoid a fight
he had to suffer.

But the prettiest girl,
the one who was
deepest in the hearts
of the tough guys,
that night
with her gaze
urged him
to stand up
and risk it all
in a tango
for his reputation.

A great hatred crossed
another hatred
under the light
of a kerosene lantern,
and a dagger
that splits a heart in two
because thus
wished that cruel woman.

Those who saw it tell
that the tough guys
slithered
with their bodies
and eagerly searched
for the other’s oversight
and in a lapse
of the guard
the lad from Palermo
sunk his knife
all the way.

La puñalada by Celedonio Flores

La puñalada is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Pintín Castellanos.



Story behind the Tango La puñalada

The narrative of “La puñalada” portrays a dramatic scene from the nightlife of Buenos Aires’ Palermo neighborhood. The lyrics tell the tale of a reputed, bold man from Palermo who steps into a dance event known for its tough attendees. Initially, he faces arrogance and provocation but chooses to avoid conflict. However, influenced by the attention of the most enchanting woman present, who seemingly incites him through her gaze, he is drawn into defending his reputation through a dance, which escalates into a fierce altercation marked by deep-seated resentment. A tragic end unfolds under the dim light of a kerosene lamp, where a stabbing shatters the atmosphere, provoked by the manipulations of the woman he desired to impress. The vivid narration encapsulates a climax of passion, jealousy, and violence, portraying a slice of urban Argentine culture.



Symbolism of La puñalada

“La puñalada” which translates to “The Stabbing” in English, is heavy with symbolism. The milonga delves deeply into themes of masculinity and honor, set against the backdrop of the Tango’s dance floor—a metaphorical battlefield. The knife, or “facón,” isn’t just a weapon; it represents masculinity, power, and the ultimate tool for resolving disputes. The kerosene lamp sheds light not only on the physical scene but symbolizes the illumination of true intentions and the stark realities of human desires and conflicts.



La puñalada in historic Context

This tango reflects the turbulent social atmosphere of Argentina in the late 1960s, a time marked by political unrest and a rich culture noted for its depth of emotion and complex social dances. The interactions portrayed in “La puñalada” mirror the intense personal and social conflicts people faced during this era, with the dance floor of a milonga serving as a microcosm for larger societal interactions and confrontations. The historical elements add a layer of authenticity and poignancy, pointing to a society where personal honor and public reputation were paramount, and often defended fiercely, as depicted in this poignant narrative.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist known for capturing the essence of the urban landscape and the soul of the porteño (Buenos Aires resident) life.