Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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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.
Matala is a Tango written by Eduardo Bonessi, Julio Bonnet and composed by Eduardo Bonessi.
The haunting Tango “Matala,” lyrically presents a tale steeped in conflict, internal torment, and a tragic sense of love. The protagonist is tormented by nightmares crying out to him, “Kill her!”, reflecting an intense struggle with betrayal and obsessive feelings. Amidst his sleep, he visualizes her, covered in red, an emblem potentially of blood, guilt, or passion, further signifying his deep-seated obsession. Despite the visions urging violence, a piece of profound sorrow and self-blame permeates his thoughts, acknowledging his role in causing her transformation through his passionate yet perhaps destructive love.
The lyrics use potent symbols to deepen the narrative’s emotional impact. “Manchadas de rojo” (stained in red) could symbolize blood, suggesting violence or a deep passion staining their relationship. Meanwhile, “sus carnes de lirio” (her flesh of lilies) contrasts this, with lilies often representing purity and innocence, thus highlighting her transformation and his ruinous impact on her. The recurring cries of “¡Matala!, ¡matala!” (Kill her!) serve as a chilling chorus that manifests the protagonist’s inner conflict between his obsessive love and the hurt caused by perceived betrayal.
Set in Argentina around 1950, “Matala” emerges in a period marked by cultural shifts and the rich tradition of Tango, often conveying deep, tumultuous emotions dissecting flawed human relationships. Post-war Argentina was a time of significant change and uncertainty, a mood that resonates in the tense and dramatic tone of these tango lyrics. This era’s influence perhaps intensifies the feelings of loss, betrayal, and passion depicted in the Tango, typical of the genre known for its expression of the human condition.
Eduardo Bonessi and Julio Bonnet were notable contributors to the Tango genre, with Bonessi notably taking on the role of both lyricist and composer for “Matala.”