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Mano a mano

Mano a mano is a Tango written by Carlos Gardel and recorded by Miguel Caló in 1965. The Tango Mano a mano is written by Carlos Gardel, Miguel Caló has recorded Mano a mano with the singer Raúl Del Mar.
“Mano a mano,” meaning “Hand in Hand” in English, evokes the intimate dance of two souls united in a seamless embrace. It’s a dialogue of hearts, where each movement whispers stories of longing, love, and passion. In this tango, every note becomes a step, binding two spirits to the rhythm of destiny’s dance floor.

Tango

Style

Miguel Caló

Orchestra

Raúl Del Mar

Singer

Celedonio Flores

Author

Carlos Gardel

Composer

1965/1/1

Date

Raúl Del Mar
Raúl Del Mar
Miguel Caló
Miguel Caló

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Mano a mano recorded by other Orchestras

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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"

Lost in my sadness, I remember you and see that you have been
in my miserable outcast life just a good woman.
Your posh presence brought warmth to my nest,
you were kind, reliable, and I know you loved me
like you loved no one else, like you will never love again.

The game was set when you, poor girl,
dodged poverty in the boarding house.
Now you’re all high-class, life smiles and sings to you,
the fool’s money you gamble carelessly
like the sly cat plays with the hapless mouse.

Now your mind’s full of sad illusions,
fooled by suckers, friends, and swindlers;
the milonga, among tycoons, with its crazy temptations,
where milonga pretensions triumph and fail,
has deeply entered your poor heart.

I owe you no thanks, we’re square;
I don’t care what you’ve done, what you do, or what you’ll do…
The favors I received I believe I’ve paid back
and if some small debt I’ve unwittingly forgotten,
charge it to the sucker’s account you have.

Meanwhile, may your fleeting victories,
be a long line of wealth and pleasure;
may the rich man who’s keeping you have lasting dough,
that you break free from grips with milonga sharpsters
and may the guys say: She’s a good woman.

And tomorrow, when you’re a discarded old piece,
and you have no hopes in your poor heart,
if you need help, if you need advice,
remember this friend who’ll risk his skin
to help you however 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 Carlos Gardel.



Story behind the Tango Mano a mano

“Mano a mano” translates to “hand to hand” in English, metaphorically expressing a direct, personal confrontation or transaction. In the context of this song, it encompasses a heartfelt, straightforward, somewhat reproachful narrative addressed to a woman from the speaker’s past. This tango delves into themes of love, betrayal, and change, reflecting on how a past lover rose from poverty to wealth and how their paths diverged. The lyrics narrate a tale of emotional struggle, reminiscing about a relationship where once, there was deep affection and loyalty.



Symbolism of Mano a mano

The lyrics use phrases like “tu presencia de bacana puso calor en mi nido,” indicating not only the warmth the woman brought into the man’s life but also symbolizing her transformation. The term “bacana” points to her becoming wealthy or elegant, contrasting with her humble beginnings. The song uses gambling terminology, with references to “los morlacos del otario” and “juega el gato maula con el mísero ratón,” symbolizing risk-taking and exploitation, possibly hinting at how the woman might have used the naiveté of others to climb socially and financially. These choices enhance the theme of personal gain and perhaps unscrupulous advancement.



Mano a Mano in historic Context

Though cited as recorded in 1965, “Mano a mano” was actually written in the 1920s, a time when tango music deeply intertwined with the urban culture of Buenos Aires. This era saw the rise of the tango as a reflection of everyday life’s struggles, passions, and changes. The lyrics reflect the evolving societal landscape, where status and success were possible through cunning and often morally ambiguous means. The historic backdrop adds depth to the melancholy and reflective nature of the song, capturing the essence of an era where traditional values frequently clashed with modern aspirations.



Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was an Argentine poet and tango lyricist known for his poignant and incisive lyrics that vividly depicted the street life and culture of Buenos Aires.