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Lunes (Lunes trece)

Lunes (Lunes trece) is a Tango written by José Luis Padula and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1938. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Lunes (Lunes trece) as an instrumental Tango.
“Lunes (Lunes Trece)” translates to “Monday (Monday the Thirteenth)” in English. This title evokes the somber and superstitious tone often found in stories of unlucky days, where fate and chance collide. The piece, whether instrumental or sung, weaves a haunting melody, capturing the essence of a day shadowed by mystery and unexpected twists.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco García Jiménez

Author

José Luis Padula

Composer

1938/9/30

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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Lunes (Lunes trece) recorded by other Orchestras

Lunes (Lunes trece) recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Lunes (Lunes trece)

Un catedrático escarba su bolsillo
pa’ ver si un níquel le alcanza pa’ un completo…
Ayer -¡qué dulce!-, la fija del potrillo;
hoy -¡qué vinagre!-, rompiendo los boletos…
El almanaque nos bate que es lunes,
que se ha acabado la vida bacana,
que viene al humo una nueva semana
con su mistongo programa escorchador.

Rumbeando pa’l taller
va Josefina,
que en la milonga, ayer,
la iba de fina.
La reina del salón
ayer se oyó llamar…
Del trono se bajó
pa’ir a trabajar…
El lungo Pantaleón
ata la chata
de traje fulerón
y en alpargata.
Ayer en el Paddock
jugaba diez y diez…
Hoy va a cargar
carbón al Dique 3.

Piantó el domingo del placer,
bailongo, póker y champán.
Hasta el más seco pudo ser
por diez minutos un bacán.
El triste lunes se asomó,
mi sueño al diablo fue a parar,
la redoblona se cortó
y pa’l laburo hay que rumbear.

Pero, ¿qué importa que en este monte criollo
hoy muestre un lunes en puerta el almanaque?
Si en esa carta caímos en el hoyo,
ya ha de venir un domingo que nos saque.
No hay mal, muchachos, que dure cien años
y ligaremos también un bizcocho…
A lo mejor acertamos las ocho
¡y quién te ataja ese día, corazón!…

English lyrics of the Tango "Lunes (Lunes trece)"

A professor digs in his pocket
to see if he has enough for a full meal…
Yesterday—sweet!—the foal was a sure bet;
today—vinegar!—tearing up the tickets…
The calendar tells us it’s Monday,
the good life has ended,
a new week rushes in
with its bleak exhausting plan.

Heading to the workshop
goes Josefina,
who, at the dance last night,
was so refined.
The queen of the dance
yesterday they called her…
She stepped down from her throne
to go to work…
Tall Pantaleón
hitches up the cart
in shabby suit
and in sandals.
Yesterday at the Paddock
he bet ten and ten…
Today he goes to load
coal at Dock 3.

The Sunday pleasure has gone,
dancing, poker, and champagne.
Even the driest man could be
a big shot for ten minutes.
Sad Monday appeared,
my dream went to hell,
the winning streak broke
and work is calling.

But, what does it matter if in this wild land
today a Monday is showing on the calendar?
If in this game we’ve hit the hole,
a Sunday will come to lift us out.
No evil lasts a hundred years, friends,
and we too will earn a share…
We might just hit the eight,
and who could stop us that day, my heart!…

Lunes (Lunes trece) by Unknown

Lunes (Lunes trece) is a Tango written by an unknown author and composed by José Luis Padula.

Story behind the Tango Lunes (Lunes trece)

The tango “Lunes (Lunes trece)” captures the essence of the struggle and cyclical nature of life during a time when social classes experienced dramatic changes. The story unfolds around individuals who confront the harsh realities that come with the end of a weekend filled with dreams and small joys. It speaks of the anticipation of hard labor and dashed hopes as the luxuries and indulgences of leisure — gambling, dancing, and ephemeral wealth — give way to the sobering responsibilities of everyday life.

Symbolism of Lunes (Lunes trece)

The lyrics are rich with symbolism that deepens the expression of fleeting fortune and persistent hope. Monday, the dreaded start of the workweek, is juxtaposed with Sunday, a day of pleasure and relaxation. The cyclical structure of the week becomes a metaphor for life’s unpredictable nature, where fortunes can swiftly ebb and flow. The use of “última palabra” echoes a sense of finality and loss, while “apuesta perdida” and “boletos rotos” symbolize shattered dreams and missed opportunities. Moreover, the transition from being “la reina del salón” to returning to work reflects the temporary nature of social status.

Lunes (Lunes trece) in historic Context

Created in 1938 Buenos Aires, “Lunes (Lunes trece)” resonates with the economic and social atmosphere of Argentina during that period. The country, like much of the world, was grappling with the aftereffects of the Great Depression. Buenos Aires was a metropolis where social aspirations and cultural life thrived amidst economic challenges. The tango, a reflection of the urban working class, often provided commentary on the socioeconomic conditions of the time. References to local spots such as El Paddock and Dique 3 ground the narrative in Buenos Aires, lending authenticity and relatability to its audience.

José Luis Padula was a noteworthy composer best known for his contributions to the tango genre. Exploring themes of longing, romance, and social realism, his compositions remain influential in the legacy of Argentine music.