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.
Mano a mano is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by José Razzano.
“Mano a mano” translates to “hand to hand” in English, reflecting a direct, personal interaction or confrontation. The lyrics narrate a reflective dialogue, likely between a man and a former lover. It explores themes of love, transformation, and societal influence, recounting the woman’s rise from poverty to affluence and the consequent changes in her lifestyle and values. The man dispassionately observes these changes, acknowledging his emotional detachment and their mutual independence.
The symbolic use of terms like “bacana” (fancy or classy woman) versus “pobre percanta” (poor woman) vividly contrasts the woman’s past and present states, emphasizing her social ascent. The card game metaphor with phrases like “los morlacos del otario los jugás a la marchanta” symbolizes the woman’s current manipulation of her suitors for personal gain, likening it to a deceitful game. The song refers to tango milongas as settings of fleeting victories and pretensions, reflecting the transient, superficial joys of her current life.
The song was written in 1946, a period of significant social and political change in Argentina. This era saw the rise of Perón and a marked shift towards populism and labor rights, which brought about shifts in class structures and ideologies. “Mano a mano” reflects on these changes through the personal lens of the protagonists’ lives, where personal relationships mimic broader societal shifts. The inclusion of locations and lifestyles common in Buenos Aires adds a deeper layer of authenticity and relatability to the Argentine listener.
Celedonio Esteban Flores was a notable Argentine poet and tango lyricist known for his poignant and socially reflective tango lyrics, vividly portraying urban life and personalities.