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Lechuza

Lechuza is a Tango written by Julio Navarrine and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1928. The Tango Lechuza is written by Julio Navarrine, Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded Lechuza with the singer Ernesto Famá.
“Lechuza,” meaning “Owl” in English, is a poetic piece that gracefully weaves the mystery and wisdom of the night into its melody. The music captures the silent flight of the owl, whispering secrets of the dark beneath a starlit sky. With each note, it enchants, inviting listeners to explore the enigmatic beauty of nocturnal wonders.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Ernesto Famá

Singer

Alfredo Navarrine

Author

Julio Navarrine

Composer

1928/2/3

Date

Ernesto Famá
Ernesto Famá
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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Lechuza recorded by other Orchestras

Lechuza recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Lechuza

This is the translation of the Tango “Lechuza” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Lechuza” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Lechuza

Pálido, triste, maltrecho,
un andrajo parecía,
llegó cuando anochecía
al barrio, buscando techo.
Quién sabe dentro del pecho
que tragedias le mordían,
que cayó al pie de un balcón
manoteando el corazón.

Y Lechuza, por su mal,
oyó que cantaban tras el ventanal:
Como un graznido, que el aire cruza,
ahí va Lechuza, rumbo al olvido.
Su vida ha sido triste y sombría,
cual agonía que arrastrando va.
Su muchachada de rompe y raja
se fue a baraja ya derrotada.
Hoy su barriada cambió de traje
y el malevaje trabajando está…
Y al callar la voz fatal
Lechuza besaba la cruz de un puñal.

Cuando apuntó el día nuevo
le estaba echada su suerte.
Lo halló desangrado, inerte,
un botón que iba a relevo.
Era el último malevo
que se iba rumbo a la muerte.
Y cayó al pie del balcón,
manoteando el corazón.
Y al callar la voz fatal
Lechuza besaba la cruz de un puñal.

English lyrics of the Tango "Lechuza"

Pale, sad, and battered,
he looked like a rag,
arriving at evening
in the neighborhood, seeking shelter.
Who knows what tragedies
were gnawing at his heart,
he fell at the foot of a balcony,
clutching at his heart.

And Lechuza, to his misfortune,
heard singing behind the window:
Like a screech crossing the air,
there goes Lechuza, heading towards oblivion.
His life has been sad and somber,
like a lingering agony he drags along.
His youthful gang of toughs
has gone to the cards, already defeated.
Today his neighborhood has changed its clothes
and the tough guys are working…
And as the fatal voice silenced
Lechuza kissed the cross of a dagger.

When the new day dawned
his fate was cast.
They found him bloodied, lifeless,
a patrolman coming to relieve him.
He was the last tough guy
heading towards death.
And he fell at the foot of the balcony,
clutching at his heart.
And as the fatal voice silenced
Lechuza kissed the cross of a dagger.

Lechuza by Alfredo Navarrine

Lechuza is a tango written by Alfredo Navarrine and composed by Julio Navarrine.

Story behind the Tango Lechuza

The song “Lechuza” narrates the demise of an individual, referred to by the nickname “Lechuza”, within the context of the urban underbelly of Argentina. This individual arrives in a neighborhood at dusk, seemingly in search of a place to stay, evidently run down and carrying heavy burdens. The lyrics paint the picture of an aged criminal whose life has lost its direction and vitality. His tragic end comes as he collapses near a balcony, clutching his heart in desperation, symbolizing perhaps both a literal and metaphorical heartbreak or betrayal.

Symbolism of Lechuza

“Lechuza” translates from Spanish as “owl,” a nocturnal bird often associated with wisdom but sometimes with bad omens. In the song, Lechuza’s fate is sealed as he overhears a haunting song, perhaps symbolizing the internal and external voices that echo the final judgments on his life. Specifically, the repeated imagery of Lechuza “kissing the cross of a dagger” potently combines themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and possibly redemption or resignation in his final moments. The contrasts between his former vibrant life and his grim ending provide profound emotional depth to the narrative.

Lechuza in Historic Context

Written and recorded in 1928, “Lechuza” emerged during a period of significant social and economic transformations in Argentina. The late 1920s preluded the Great Depression, affecting even the remote corners of global societies including Argentina. This era also witnessed the decline of the traditional compadrito (city toughs), and the tango lyrics often reflect the melancholy, nostalgia, and dramatic transitions within the barrios (neighborhoods). Alfredo Navarrine uses the story of Lechuza to highlight the drastic shifts in societal roles where former criminals (malevo) succumb to new societal demands—either through reform or death.

Alfredo Navarrine

Alfredo Navarrine was both a poet and lyricist whose works primarily capture the essence and transformation of Argentine society during the early 20th century.