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Mano brava

Mano brava is a Milonga written by Manuel Buzon and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1941. The Milonga Mano brava is written by Manuel Buzon, Aníbal Troilo has recorded Mano brava with the singer Francisco Fiorentino.
“Mano Brava,” or “Bold Hand,” is a title that speaks of daring and mastery. This powerful piece of music embodies the spirit of confidence and audacity, where every note is a dance of courage and skill. It captures the essence of a hand that commands both elegance and strength, weaving stories with every daring stroke.

Milonga

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Francisco Fiorentino

Singer

Enrique Cadicamo

Author

Manuel Buzon

Composer

1941/3/4

Date

Francisco Fiorentino
Francisco Fiorentino
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

Discover Other Orchestras

Adolfo Carabelli – Cuando canta mi guitarra – 1933/1/1
Adolfo Carabelli – Pa’ que lagrimear – 1933/9/12
Adolfo Carabelli – Mia – 1933/4/11
Adolfo Carabelli – Yo me quiero divorciar – 1933/3/15
Adolfo Carabelli – El puñal sevillano – 1932/5/24
Horacio Salgán – Al mundo el falta un tornillo – 1962/1/1
Horacio Salgán – A fuego lento – 1954/1/1
Horacio Salgán – La última curda – 1965/1/1
Horacio Salgán – Sus ojos se cerraron
Los despojos – 1965/1/1
Horacio Salgán – Desde el alma – 1953/1/1
Rodolfo Biagi – Serenata campera – 1950/9/13
Rodolfo Biagi – No puede ser – 1941/12/3
Rodolfo Biagi – Callecita de mi barrio – 1940/10/4
Rodolfo Biagi – Si la llegaran a ver – 1943/12/7
Rodolfo Biagi – Cuatro palabras – 1941/7/29
Anibal Troilo – Volver – 1970/8/13
Anibal Troilo – El motivo (Pobre paica) – 1970/8/13

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 brava recorded by other Orchestras

Mano brava recorded by other Orchestras

1941/3/4 – Cachirulo – Anibal Troilo
1941/3/4 – Toda mi vida – Anibal Troilo
1941/3/4 – Yo soy el tango – Anibal Troilo
1941/3/6 – La cachila – Carlos di Sarli
1941/3/6 – Cortando camino – Carlos di Sarli
Mano brava – 1941/3/4 – Anibal Troilo – Francisco Fiorentino
Mano brava – 211/12/1 – Horacio Salgan – Instrumental
Mano brava – 1963/1/1 – Horacio Salgan – Instrumental

Lyrics Translation of the Milonga Mano brava

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

Letra del Milonga Mano brava

(recitado)
Templó la viola del payador del barrio,
y ante la rueda de aquel bodegón,
viejos recuerdos fue desenrollando
y esta milonga cantó.

Te pusimos por varón y por guapear
el Mano Brava
y hoy ese apodo
te vengo a reclamar…
Porque nunca más ha vuelto al barrio aquel,
che Mano Brava…
Soy tu ‘padrino’ que te viene a hablar…
Soy el ayer…

La marca ‘e fuego te ha quedao del barrio
y, aunque no quieras, siempre escucharás
la voz lejana de los comisarios
que te preguntan ¿Por dónde has andao?
Sé que has bancao por Francia y Nueva York
con naipes bien peinaos,
sé que tenés pa’l poker por demás,
los dedos afilaos…

(recitado)
Quién más, quién menos, todos cabizbajos
permanecieron por la evocación,
y continuando la Canción del Bajo
se oyó de nuevo al cantor:

Aquí está esperándote tu bodegón
pa´ echarte en cara
con cuentas claras
tu ingrato proceder…
Qué esperás pa’ regresar y pa’ abrazar,
che Mano Brava,
la muchachada que te supo dar
nombre y cartel…

English lyrics of the Milonga "Mano brava"

(recitation)
The neighborhood troubadour tuned his guitar,
and before the circle in that tavern,
old memories he began to unfold
and this milonga he sang.

We called you brave and daring
Mano Brava,
and today that nickname
I come to reclaim from you…
Because you’ve never again returned to that neighborhood,
hey Mano Brava…
I’m your ‘godfather’ speaking to you…
I am the past…

The firebrand mark from the neighborhood remains with you
and, whether you want it or not, you’ll always hear
the distant voice of the police
asking where have you been?
I know you’ve stood your ground in France and New York
with well-groomed cards,
I know you have for poker, more than enough,
your sharpened fingers…

(recitation)
Who more, who less, all bowed their heads
lingering in this remembrance,
and continuing with the Song of the Dock
the singer’s voice was heard again:

Here is your tavern waiting for you
to confront you
with clear accounts
for your ungrateful conduct…
What are you waiting for to return and embrace,
hey Mano Brava,
the youth that gave you
name and fame…

Mano brava by

Mano brava is a Tango written by and composed by Manuel Buzon.

Story behind the Tango Mano brava

The tango “Mano Brava” unfolds a narrative rich in nostalgia and longing. It recounts the tale of a character once respected for their bravery and masculinity, affectionately nicknamed “Mano Brava.” The singer recalls the persona’s glory days, addressing him as a padrino who seeks to reconnect with the past. The lyrics evoke a sense of melancholy as they reminisce about the protagonist’s disappearance from the neighborhood and call for his return, highlighting the bond and respect he once shared with the locals.

Symbolism of Mano brava

The song is laden with symbolism, with “Mano Brava” itself representing not just a brave hand, but perhaps the resilience and strength tied to the identity of the individual. The references to fire marks (“La marca ‘e fuego”) signify the indelible impact the protagonist left on the place. Notable language choices like “naipes bien peinaos” and “dedos afilaos” paint a vivid image of someone skilled in games and life, alluring yet elusive. The imagery of commissioner voices (“la voz lejana de los comisarios”) echoes the constant reminder of the past deeds and affiliations that shape one’s path.

Mano brava in historic Context

Composed in 1941 in Buenos Aires, “Mano Brava” is embedded in a period where tango was not only a musical expression but a cultural phenomenon reflecting the complexities of life in Argentina. Buenos Aires, with its bustling neighborhoods and diverse inspirations, provided fertile ground for stories about identity, masculinity, and societal values. The historical backdrop of the tango lends a certain gravitas to the character’s struggles, connecting them to broader notions of honor, community, and reputation that were prevalent during that era.

Manuel Buzon was a prominent Argentine musician known for his contributions to the tango genre. His compositions are remembered for their profound emotional depth and cultural resonance.