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Mano a mano

Mano a mano is a Tango written by José Razzano and recorded by Alfredo De Angelis in 1946. The Tango Mano a mano is written by José Razzano, Alfredo De Angelis has recorded Mano a mano with the singer Carlos Dante.
“Mano a mano,” or “Hand in Hand,” is a dance of intertwined destinies, where each step echoes a shared journey. The melody is a heartfelt dialogue, speaking of trust and unity as partners move in harmonious rhythm. It captures the essence of connection, where every note is a testament to the beauty of facing life together, hand in hand.

Tango

Style

Alfredo De Angelis

Orchestra

Carlos Dante

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

José Razzano

Composer

1946/12/27

Date

Carlos Dante
Carlos Dante
Alfredo De Angelis
Alfredo De Angelis

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Mano a mano recorded by other Orchestras

Mano a mano recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Mano a mano

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

Letra del Tango Mano a mano

Rechiflado en mi tristeza, te evoco y veo que has sido
en mi pobre vida paria sólo una buena mujer.
Tu presencia de bacana puso calor en mi nido,
fuiste buena, consecuente, y yo sé que me has querido
como no quisiste a nadie, como no podrás querer.

Se dio el juego de remanye cuando vos, pobre percanta,
gambeteabas la pobreza en la casa de pensión.
Hoy sos toda una bacana, la vida te ríe y canta,
Ios morlacos del otario los jugás a la marchanta
como juega el gato maula con el mísero ratón.

Hoy tenés el mate lleno de infelices ilusiones,
te engrupieron los otarios, las amigas y el gavión;
la milonga, entre magnates, con sus locas tentaciones,
donde triunfan y claudican milongueras pretensiones,
se te ha entrado muy adentro en tu pobre corazón.

Nada debo agradecerte, mano a mano hemos quedado;
no me importa lo que has hecho, lo que hacés ni lo que harás…
Los favores recibidos creo habértelos pagado
y, si alguna deuda chica sin querer se me ha olvidado,
en la cuenta del otario que tenés se la cargás.

Mientras tanto, que tus triunfos, pobres triunfos pasajeros,
sean una larga fila de riquezas y placer;
que el bacán que te acamala tenga pesos duraderos,
que te abrás de las paradas con cafishos milongueros
y que digan los muchachos: Es una buena mujer.
Y mañana, cuando seas descolado mueble viejo
y no tengas esperanzas en tu pobre corazón,
si precisás una ayuda, si te hace falta un consejo,
acordate de este amigo que ha de jugarse el pellejo
pa’ayudarte en lo que pueda cuando llegue la ocasión.

English lyrics of the Tango "Mano a mano"

Maddened in my sorrow, I recall and see that you have been
in my wretched, outcast life just a good woman.
Your swanky presence brought warmth to my nest,
you were good, consistent, and I know that you loved me
like you loved no one else, as you will never be able to again.

The cards were dealt when you, poor girl,
dodged poverty in the boarding house.
Now you’re all swanky, life smiles and sings for you,
you gamble the suckers’ coins casually
as a sly cat plays with the hapless mouse.

Now your head’s filled with hapless dreams,
flattered by suckers, friends, and swindlers;
the milonga, among magnates, with its wild temptations,
where the claims of dancers both triumph and fail,
has deeply penetrated your humble heart.

I owe you no thanks, we’re square;
I don’t care what you’ve done, do, or will do…
The favors received I believe I’ve repaid,
and if some small debt I’ve forgotten by mistake,
charge it to the account of the sucker you have.

Meanwhile, may your triumphs, poor fleeting triumphs,
be a long line of riches and pleasure;
may the man who supports you have lasting wealth,
may you escape from the traps with milonga sharks,
and may the boys say: She is a good woman.
And tomorrow, when you are a discarded old piece,
and you have no hope in your poor heart,
if you need help, if you need advice,
remember this friend who will risk his skin
to help you as much as he can when the time comes.

Mano a mano by Celedonio Flores

Mano a mano is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by José Razzano.



Story behind the Tango Mano a mano

“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.



Symbolism of Mano a mano

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.



Mano a mano in historic Context

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 Flores

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.