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Mala yerba

Mala yerba is a Vals written by Arturo Gallucci and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1956. The Vals Mala yerba is written by Arturo Gallucci, Carlos di Sarli has recorded Mala yerba with the singer Rodolfo Galé.
“Mala Yerba,” translating to “Bad Weed” in English, evokes the unchecked resilience of unwanted growth, stubborn and unyielding. Like the pervasive weed, this tango weaves its melody through the cracks of the soul, whispering tales of endurance and defiance. Each note reminds us that beneath the weight of adversity, life finds a way to persist and thrive.

Vals

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Rodolfo Galé

Singer

Abel Aznar

Author

Arturo Gallucci

Composer

1956/2/29

Date

Rodolfo Galé
Rodolfo Galé
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Lyrics Translation of the Vals Mala yerba

This is the translation of the Vals “Mala yerba” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Vals “Mala yerba” have been done with AI.

Letra del Vals Mala yerba

¡Vaya gaucho zonzo!
Contestó la ingrata
y una risotada
le lleno la boca.
No he venido grande
pa’ mirar La Pampa,
ni vivir en rancho
y usar esta ropa.

Campo pa’ las bestias.
Rancho pa’ las chinas
que no tienen sueños,
ni sangre en las venas.
Pa’ los hombres mansos
que huyen de la vida.
No he venido grande, ¡no!,
pa’ llenarme e’ tierra.

¡China desalmada!
Me golpeó en el pecho
con esas palabras
llenas de desprecio.
Y llenao de rabia,
me bastó un momento,
pa’ llenar sus ojos
pa’ siempre de sueño.

No tembló mi mano,
ni aura lo lamento,
no me queda el alma,
ni un remordimiento.
Esa yerba mala
que es tuito veneno,
no la llora naide,
no deja recuerdos.

Se que pa’ las leyes
que los hombres tienen,
que pa’ la justicia,
soy un asesino,
un paisano maula,
de esos que no quieren
aceptar los golpes
que le da el destino.

Pero pa’l que sabe
tuito el daño que hace,
esa yerba mala,
que en el campo crece,
se dirá pa’ dentro,
tuito el que lo sabe,
yerba que envenena, ¡si!,
nada más merece.

English lyrics of the Vals "Mala yerba"

What a foolish gaucho!
The ungrateful one replied,
and a loud laugh
filled her mouth.
I haven’t come grown up
to look at the Pampas,
or to live in a hut
and wear these clothes.

Fields for the beasts.
Huts for the women
who have no dreams,
or blood in their veins.
For the tame men
who run from life.
I haven’t come grown up, no!
to fill myself with dirt.

Heartless woman!
She struck my heart
with those words
full of contempt.
And filled with anger,
I needed just a moment
to fill her eyes
forever with dreams.

My hand didn’t tremble,
nor do I regret now,
my soul stays intact,
without a remorse.
That bad weed,
which is all poison,
no one cries for it,
it leaves no memory.

I know for the laws
that men have,
that for justice,
I am a murderer,
a cowardly peasant,
those who don’t want
to accept the blows
that fate gives.

But for those who know
all the damage it does,
that bad weed,
growing in the fields,
they will say to themselves,
all who know,
a weed that poisons, yes!
deserves nothing more.

Mala yerba by

Mala yerba is a Tango written by and composed by Arturo Gallucci.

Story behind the Tango Mala yerba

The tango “Mala yerba” weaves a passionate and intense narrative set against the backdrop of rural Argentina. It tells the story of betrayal and the ensuing emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist. The dialogue begins with a disdainful response from an ungrateful woman, who dismisses the speaker’s way of life, rooted in the simplicity and ruggedness of the Pampas—a reference to the expansive plains of Argentina. The protagonist, wounded by her contemptuous words, reacts violently, filling her eyes with the permanence of sleep. The phrase “llenao de rabia” highlights the uncontrollable anger that overtakes him, leading to irreversible actions. The tango captures a moment of profound personal crisis and destruction, exploring themes of pride, betrayal, and the harsh realities of rural life.

Symbolism of Mala yerba

The term “Mala yerba” itself is laden with symbolism. In the lyrics, it represents something inherently harmful or toxic, likened to weeds that choke the life out of fertile land. This metaphor extends to the woman’s destructive influence and the emotional poison that ultimately leads to the protagonist’s downfall. Key phrases such as “Campo pa’ las bestias” and “Rancho pa’ las chinas” reflect a sharp criticism of societal roles and expectations, with the speaker rejecting the notion of a simplistic, unfulfilled life tied to the land. The phrase “no tembló mi mano” speaks to a resolve in the face of desperation, indicating a lack of regret even amidst the gravity of his actions.

Mala yerba in historic Context

Written in Buenos Aires in 1956, “Mala yerba” is deeply embedded in the cultural and social fabric of mid-20th century Argentina. This period was marked by significant political upheaval and a growing tension between rural and urban identities. The tango’s setting in the Pampas, contrasted by the disdain expressed for this life, echoes the shifting dynamics as people flocked to cities seeking modernity and opportunity, often leaving rural values behind. The piece also resonates with the machismo culture, where honor and pride were paramount, yet often led to tragic outcomes, as evidenced by the protagonist’s drastic response to betrayal.

The author of “Mala yerba,” though unnamed, is likely rooted in the rich tradition of Argentine tango lyricism. These lyricists often explored themes of love, betrayal, and social change, contributing to the enduring emotional depth and cultural significance of tango music.