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Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)

Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya) is a Tango written by Félix Scolati Almeyda and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1929. Roberto Firpo has recorded Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya) as an instrumental Tango.
“Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)” translates to “Little Medal of the Poor (Little Virgin of Pompeii).” This piece captures the humble devotion of those who seek solace and hope in the gentle embrace of the Virgin. With each note, it speaks of faith and resilience, a melodic tribute to those who find strength in their belief.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Enrique Maroni

Author

Félix Scolati Almeyda

Composer

1929/11/28

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

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Letra del Tango Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)

Virgencita de Pompeya

nacida en el barrio turbio,

como una flor del suburbio

que embelleció al arrabal…

Te llevo siempre en mi pecho

de malevo y de compadre,

porque te colgó mi madre…

defendiéndome del mal.



Me basta que tu recuerdo

acaricie mi memoria

para vivir en la gloria

de una suprema emoción:

compañera de mis noches

de bohemio emperdenido,

que estás sintiendo el latido

de mi criollo corazón.



Desde Palermo, a Barracas,

de Puente Alsina a Pompeya,

nadie se paro en mi huella

ni se burló de mi fe;

y en mis horas de tristeza,

por muy hombre y muy derecho

te saqué desde mi pecho

y a escondidas, te besé…



Medallita de los pobres,

bendita señora mía

puesta por Dios como guía

para aliviar mi dolor:

Cuántas veces descansaste

sobre aquel pecho querido

de una mujer que no olvido

porque a tu lao palpitó.



Las vueltas que me he jugado

por no dejar de ser hombre,

cuando evocaba tu nombre

al fallarme el corazón…

¿Y te acordás, Virgencita,

la noche en que Pancho Almada

me tiró una puñalada…

y le rompiste el facón?



Virgencita de Pompeya

que no conocés el Centro.

Pero que estás tan adentro

en el alma nacional…

¡Te llevo siempre conmigo

en mi vida de compadre,

porque sos como una madre

que me defiende del mal!…

English lyrics of the Tango "Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)"

Virgin of Pompeya

born in the murky neighborhood,

like a flower of the suburb

that beautified the slum…

I always carry you in my chest

as a rogue and a buddy,

because my mother hung you there…

defending me from evil.

It’s enough for me to remember

your touch on my memory

to live in the glory

of a supreme emotion:

companion of my nights

of committed bohemian,

who is feeling the beating

of my Creole heart.

From Palermo to Barracas,

from Puente Alsina to Pompeya,

no one stood in my path

nor mocked my faith;

and in my hours of sadness,

though a man and upright,

I took you from my chest

and in secret, I kissed you…

Little medal of the poor,

blessed lady of mine

placed by God as a guide

to alleviate my pain:

How many times you rested

upon that beloved chest

of a woman I cannot forget

because she throbbed beside you.

The turns I have gambled

just to remain a man,

when I beckoned your name

as my heart failed me…

And do you remember, Virgin,

the night Pancho Almada

threw a stab at me…

and you broke his dagger?

Virgin of Pompeya

who knows not the downtown,

But who lies so deep

in the national soul…

I always carry you with me

in my life as a buddy,

because you are like a mother

who defends me from evil!…

Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya) by Enrique Maroni

Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya) is a Tango written by Enrique Maroni and composed by Félix Scolati Almeyda.



Story behind the Tango Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)

The lyrics of “Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)” focus on a deep devotion to the Virgin of Pompeya, revered as a protector and spiritual guide. The lyricist portrays the Virgin as a beacon born in a turbulent neighborhood, symbolizing hope and beauty in a harsh environment. The tangible representation of faith, carried close to the heart, signifies a personal and intimate connection to the divine, reflecting trust and reliance on the Virgin for protection from evil and guidance through troubled times.



Symbolism of Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya)

The title itself, “Medallita de los pobres”, which translates to “Medal of the poor”, symbolizes the accessibility of divine grace to everyone, particularly the less fortunate. The repeated mention of the Virgin’s image worn on the chest highlights the personal and communal significance of faith in everyday life. Furthermore, various scenarios within the lyrics—like moments of vulnerability and protection during fights or the remembrance of a beloved woman alongside the Virgin—illustrate the intertwining of faith, love, and resilience.



Medallita de los pobres (Virgencita de Pompeya) in historic Context

Written in 1929, this tango emerges during a period laden with social and economic changes in Argentina. Amid the tumult, the song evokes the Virgin of Pompeya—a symbol of solace and sanctuary. Mention of locations like Palermo, Barracas, and Pompeya not only pinpoints the song’s roots in Buenos Aires but also reflects the widespread reverence for the Virgin across various districts, bridging different walks of life. This connection spoke to the collective spirit and cultural identity during a time of changing societal norms.



Enrique Maroni

An influential figure in the realm of tango, Enrique Maroni is celebrated for his poignant and evocative lyricism that often delves deep into the themes of love, sorrow, and societal nuances.