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Mano brava

Mano brava is a Milonga written by Manuel Buzón and recorded by Horacio Salgán in 1963. Horacio Salgán has recorded Mano brava as an instrumental Milonga.
“Mano Brava,” translated as “Bold Hand,” weaves its tale through the fervent embrace of tango’s rhythm. This evocative piece embodies the fearless spirit and fierce passion that guide the dancer’s hand, commanding the journey of the dance. Its music whispers of strength and fire, painting a vivid portrait of courage entwined with elegance.

Milonga

Style

Horacio Salgán

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Enrique Cadícamo

Author

Manuel Buzón

Composer

1963/1/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Horacio Salgán
Horacio Salgán

Discover Other Orchestras

José Garcia – Aguantalo si podés (De corte antiguo) – 1944/4/7
José Garcia – El once (A divertirse) – 1943/1/13
José Garcia – Batallon de solteros – 1942/4/17
José Garcia – Prestame tu pañuelo – 1942/6/17
José Garcia – Tristeza marina – 1943/5/15
Francini-Pontier – Canción para breve final – 1948/2/4
Francini-Pontier – A Zárate – 1948/3/24
Francini-Pontier – Dicen que dicen – 1950/12/5
Francini-Pontier – Certificao – 1952/8/21
Francini-Pontier – Oyeme mamá – 1952/9/17
Rodolfo Biagi – Nada – 1944/5/9
Rodolfo Biagi – Hoy te quiero mucho más – 1945/11/30
Rodolfo Biagi – Sangre de mi sangre – 1954/6/29
Rodolfo Biagi – Con mi perro – 1946/7/10
Rodolfo Biagi – Con un silbido en los labios – 1963/1/1
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Rosicler – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Nunca tuvo novio – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Milonguita (Esthercita) – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Yo no sé por qué te quiero – 1959/9/14

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

1963/1/1 – Con un silbido en los labios – Rodolfo Biagi
1963/1/1 – Duerme mi nina – Rodolfo Biagi
1963/1/1 – Como se muere de amor – Jose Basso
1963/1/1 – Cuando el amor muere – Jose Basso
1963/1/1 – El internado – Jose Basso
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

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"

(recited)

The guitarist from the neighborhood tuned his guitar,
and in front of that tavern crowd,
unraveled old memories
and sang this milonga.

We named you the Tough Hand for your bravery,
and today, that nickname
I’ve come to reclaim…
Because you’ve never returned to that neighborhood,
hey, Tough Hand…
I’m your ‘godfather,’ here to talk…
I represent the past…

The neighborhood’s brand is burned into you,
and even if you don’t want to, you’ll always hear
the distant voice of the police chiefs
asking, “Where have you been?”
I know you’ve gambled in France and New York
with well-combed cards,
I know you have sharp fingers
more than enough for poker…

(recited)

Some more, some less, all bowed their heads
captivated by the memory,
and as the Song of the Lowland continued,
the singer was heard again:

Here awaits your tavern
to throw in your face
with clear accounts
your ungrateful behavior…
What are you waiting for to return and to embrace,
hey, Tough Hand,
the young folks who bestowed upon you
name and fame…

Mano brava by Enrique Cadícamo

Mano brava is a Tango written by Enrique Cadícamo and composed by Manuel Buzón.


Story behind the Tango Mano brava

“Mano Brava” centers around the poignant return of a man once known for his bravery and toughness, symbolized by his nickname “Mano Brava”, which translates to “Brave Hand” in English. Through the verses, an old payador (a folk singer and poet) reminiscences and appeals to this man, using the setting of a local tavern to unravel old memories and address the protagonist’s adventures and current absence from the neighborhood. The singer, acting as a godfather figure, calls out for his return, showcasing a blend of disappointment and hope.


Symbolism of Mano brava

The tango is rich in symbolic layers, with “Mano Brava” serving as a poignant motif throughout. It signifies not only physical toughness but a resilience of spirit. The “brave hand” conveys both the capacity for physical combat and skill in gambling, as described in adventures spread out from France to New York, places symbolically associated with opportunity, mystery, and perhaps, moral downfall.

The lines “the voice of the far-off captains that you will always hear” symbolize the enduring call of conscience and past life, highlighting a theme of inescapable past and identity. Furthermore, the recurring setting of the bodegón (tavern) acts as a cultural anchor, representing a communal space of memory and confrontation.


Mano brava in historic Context

“Mano Brava” was composed in the early 1960s, a period for Argentina marked by political upheaval and cultural shifts. This tango, through its nostalgic recall of personal valor and communal identity, might subtly reflect the societal longing for simpler, more honorable times amidst the country’s complex sociopolitical landscape. Locally-tied and emotionally evocative, this piece uses personal storytelling to touch upon wider themes of change, loss, and identity.


Enrique Cadícamo

Enrique Cadícamo was a renowned Argentine lyricist and poet, celebrated for his significant contributions to the Tango genre.