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Mano a mano

Mano a mano is a Tango written by Carlos Gardel and recorded by Florindo Sassone in 1959. The Tango Mano a mano is written by Carlos Gardel, Florindo Sassone has recorded Mano a mano with the singer Fontán Luna.
“Mano a mano,” translated into English as “Hand to hand,” captures the intimacy and duel of a shared dance or confrontation. Like the tango’s intricate steps, it embodies the interplay of connection and rivalry between partners. This piece weaves a tale of passion and challenge, where every movement speaks of both harmony and tension.

Tango

Style

Florindo Sassone

Orchestra

Fontán Luna

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Carlos Gardel

Composer

1959/10/15

Date

Fontán Luna
Fontán Luna
Florindo Sassone
Florindo Sassone

Discover Other Orchestras

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Ángel d’Agostino – Bailarín compadrito – 1952/1/24
Ángel d’Agostino – Gran muñeca – 1943/12/5
Ángel d’Agostino – Alma de bohemio – 1947/6/10
Ángel d’Agostino – El cocherito – 1953/9/3
Aníbal Troilo – Tango y copas – 1943/4/5
Aníbal Troilo – Fuegos artificiales – (unknown date)
Aníbal Troilo – La vi llegar – 1944/6/27
Aníbal Troilo – Maragata – 1941/10/9
Aníbal Troilo – Mi tango triste – 1946/11/28
Enrique Rodríguez – Giuseppe el zapatero – 1945/9/25
Enrique Rodríguez – Un copetín – 1939/6/5
Enrique Rodríguez – Son cositas de la vida – 1967/7/28
Enrique Rodríguez – En un pueblito de España (2) – 1945/12/26
Enrique Rodríguez – Cuando era mozo – 1947/12/6
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Milonga del 38 – 1938/5/23
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Don Enrique – 1937/5/21
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El esquinazo – 1939/3/3
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Felicia – 1937/4/20
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El toto – 1944/9/11

Recommended

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 recorded by other Orchestras

Mano a mano recorded by other Orchestras

1959/10/15 – La negra Bozan – Juan D-Arienzo
1959/10/15 – Dame mi libertad – Juan D-Arienzo
1959/10/15 – Casita de nacar – Juan D-Arienzo
1959/10/15 – La bruja – Juan D-Arienzo
1959/10/15 – A media luz – Florindo Sassone
Mano a mano – 1965/1/1 – Miguel Calo – Raul Del Mar
Mano a mano – 1965/1/1 – Miguel Calo – Lucho Gatica
Mano a mano – 1946/12/27 – Alfredo De Angelis – Carlos Dante
Mano a mano – 1959/10/15 – Florindo Sassone – Fontan Luna

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"

Mired in my sadness, I bring you to mind and see you’ve been

in my wretched life merely a good woman.

Your upscale presence warmed my nest,

you were kind, steadfast, and I know you loved me

like you loved no one else, as you will never be able to love again.

The game of shuffled cards played out when you, poor girl,

dodged poverty in your boarding house days.

Now you’re quite the lady, life laughs and sings to you,

you gamble the fool’s money freely

like a sly cat plays with the hapless mouse.

Now your mind’s full of pitiful illusions,

fooled by dupes, friends, and smooth talkers;

the milonga, among tycoons, with its crazy temptations,

where lofty aspirations thrive and fail,

has seeped deep into your poor heart.

I owe you no thanks, we’re even;

I don’t care what you did, do, or will do…

I believe I’ve repaid any favors owed

and if by chance I’ve forgotten some small debt,

just add it to the fool’s account you keep.

Meanwhile, may your transient triumphs,

be a long list of wealth and pleasure;

may the man who keeps you have enduring money,

may you flirt with savvy dancers at the socials

and may people say: She is a good woman.

And tomorrow, when you’re an old discarded piece,

when hope dwindles in your weary heart,

if you need help, if you want advice,

remember this friend who’s willing to risk it all

to help you as much as possible when the time comes.

Mano a mano by Celedonio Flores

Mano a mano is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Carlos Gardel.



Story behind the Tango Mano a mano

The lyrics of “Mano a mano” delve into a narrative of love, loss, and resilience. The speaker recounts his relationship with a woman, tracing her transformation from poverty to affluence. Initially, she provided warmth and genuine affection during his times of hardship. However, as her fortunes changed, she was swayed by the superficial allure of wealth, leaving behind her humble beginnings. The phrase “mano a mano” translates to “hand to hand” in English, symbolizing an equal settlement or clearing of accounts between two individuals.



Symbolism of Mano a mano

The tango uses poignant imagery and metaphors to deepen the emotional appeal. For instance, the woman’s transition from “una buena mujer” (a good woman) to someone caught up in the glitter of high society reflects societal shifts and personal betrayal. The metaphor of playing with money “como juega el gato maula con el mísero ratón” (like the sly cat plays with the miserable mouse) captures her manipulation of those around her for material gain. The recurring theme of disillusionment is echoed in the tango’s haunting refrain, serving as a reflection on authenticity and superficiality.



Mano a mano in historic Context

Set in the mid-20th century Argentina, “Mano a mano” reflects the socio-economic issues of the era. During this period, Argentina faced significant changes, including urbanization and the blurring of social classes. The tango, as a genre, often explored themes of loss, nostalgia, and societal critique, making it a reflective mirror for the Argentine populace grappling with modernity versus traditional values. Thus, the song’s narrative of personal and moral decay resonates with broader themes of societal change and dislocation.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was a renowned Argentine poet and tango lyricist, celebrated for his poignant and sharply observant lyrics set to the melancholic rhythms of tango music.