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Matala

Matala is a Tango written by Eduardo Bonessi and recorded by Rodolfo Biagi in 1950. The Tango Matala is written by Eduardo Bonessi, Rodolfo Biagi has recorded Matala with the singer Carlos Heredia.
“Matala” translates to “Kill it” in English. In the evocative rhythm of the tango, the music embodies a fierce confrontation with one’s inner turmoil, urging the listener to cast away doubt and fear. Each note dances with defiance, inviting the heart to vanquish hesitations and embrace liberation with fervent passion.

Tango

Style

Rodolfo Biagi

Orchestra

Carlos Heredia

Singer

Eduardo Bonessi, Julio Bonnet

Author

Eduardo Bonessi

Composer

1950/4/13

Date

Carlos Heredia
Carlos Heredia
Rodolfo Biagi
Rodolfo Biagi

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Matala

This is the translation of the Tango “Matala” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Matala” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Matala

Hace muchas noches me gritan en sueños
mil voces airadas de duda y rencor,
¡Matala!, ¡matala!… y despierto y miro,
cruzar por mis ojos, manchadas de rojo,
sus carnes de lirio, que son mi obsesión…

Pero, no, yo tengo la culpa, Señor,
si fueron mis besos sabios en amor
quién puso en su cuerpo la llama dorada
todos sus deseos loco de gozar.
Pero no, yo tengo la culpa Señor,
yo puse en su cuerpo la sed del amor,
mis besos malditos la hicieron así,
por eso es que lloro por ella y por mí…

¡Matala!, ¡matala!… si ya no te quiere,
aúllan las palabras del odio al pasar.
Y al verla sonriente que va en otros brazos,
se nubla mi frente, de fiebre, de abraso
y entonces quisiera besarla y matar…

English lyrics of the Tango "Matala"

Many nights the angry voices of doubt and rancor
shout at me in dreams,
“Kill her! Kill her!”… and I wake and see,
across my eyes, stained red,
her lily-white flesh, my obsession…

But no, it’s my fault, Lord,
if my love-knowledgeable kisses
set the golden flame upon her body
all her desires crazed with enjoyment.
But no, I’m at fault, Lord,
I planted the thirst for love in her body,
my cursed kisses made her this way,
that’s why I cry for her and for me…

“Kill her! Kill her!… if she no longer loves you,”
the words of hatred howl as they pass.
And seeing her smiling in another’s arms,
my forehead clouds over, fevered, burning
and then I wish to kiss her and kill…

Matala by Eduardo Bonessi, Julio Bonnet

Matala is a Tango written by Eduardo Bonessi, Julio Bonnet and composed by Eduardo Bonessi.



Story behind the Tango Matala

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.



Symbolism of Matala

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.



Matala in historic Context

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.



About Eduardo Bonessi, Julio Bonnet

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.”