Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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 vieja vale más is a Tango written by Vicente Demarco and composed by Juan Carlos Lotito.
“La vieja vale más” captures a poignant scene in a neighborhood café one Saturday afternoon, depicting a classic Argentine setting of community and local culture through games and preparatory chatter for an evening dance. In this nostalgic scene, a young man named El Negro chooses to abstain from the social festivities, driven by a deeper familial loyalty. The integrity and loving responsibility he demonstrates toward his unwell mother, whom he refers to affectionately as “su vieja,” reveals the song’s primary theme of familial devotion over social pleasures. The song echoes this devotion with a very intimate portrayal of care, as El Negro opts to stay by his mother’s side, offering her both physical comfort through mate tea and emotional support, exemplifying familial love and sacrifice.
The title “La vieja vale más” translates to “The old lady is worth more,” which alone powerfully conveys the song’s message. The recurring use of “vieja,” a colloquial and affectionate term for mother, enhances the emotional depth and personal feel of the lyrics. The contrast between the vibrant life of youth, illustrated by the enthusiastic boys and the somber responsibilities of adulthood as portrayed through El Negro’s actions, underscores the universal theme of aging and the shifting priorities that come with it. The symbolic choice of staying home resonates with the themes of sacrifice and the inherent value found in caring for our loved ones, suggesting the invaluable role of family in shaping one’s moral and ethical landscape.
Recorded in 1961, a period rich in cultural transformation globally and particularly vibrant in Argentina’s music scene, “La vieja vale más” portrays a snapshot of Argentine life that emphasizes community, family, and traditional values. During this era, tango was not just a dance or a musical genre but a cultural narrative that wove into the fabric of everyday life, capturing the spirit, struggles, and soul of the Argentine people. The setting in the song, a simple neighborhood café, acts as a cornerstone of community interaction, reflective of how interconnected personal stories are within such cultural hubs.
Vicente Demarco was an Argentine lyricist known for his deep emotive style and ability to capture the essence of everyday life and sentiment in his tango compositions.