Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
Style
Orchestra
Singer
Author
Composer
Date
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.
Mariposita is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Anselmo Aieta.
The song Mariposita, which translates to “little butterfly,” tells a poignant tale of nostalgic longing and emotional turmoil. It captures a man reminiscing about a past love, a woman from his neighborhood, whom he is unsuccessfully trying to find in the bustling areas of the city. The narrative is enveloped in a melancholic soundscape provided by a bandoneón, enhancing the sense of a somber, reflective vibe. The singer’s heart, laden with emotions intensified by alcohol, brings forth memories and desires intertwined with a sense of loss and regret.
The use of “Mariposita” or little butterfly is symbolic; it alludes to the delicate, fleeting nature of young love and beauty, akin to a butterfly that’s beautiful yet transient . The repetition of the imagery “te busco y no te encuentro,” meaning “I look for you and do not find you,” embodies the theme of searching and missing an important emotional piece of one’s past. Alcohol in the lyrics symbolizes the attempt to drown out the pain of memories or to bridge the gap between past and present.
Released in 1941, at the cusp of World War II’s impact on South America, Mariposita might reflect the broader sense of uncertainty and longing for the past felt by many. Buenos Aires, the likely backdrop, was a city of juxtaposed sentiments—hope and despair, old traditions and a new world. This setting is crucial as it amplifies the theme of searching amidst change, akin to seeking solace in familiar yet unattainable corners of a rapidly evolving city.
Francisco García Jiménez was a renowned Argentine lyricist known primarily for his contributions to the Tango genre, capturing the essence of urban and emotional landscapes of his era.