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.
Melenita de oro is a Tango written by Samuel Linnig and composed by Carlos Vicente Geroni Flores.
The lyrics of “Melenita de oro” dive into a poignant narrative of love, deceit, and disillusionment. The persona recounts an evening of a dance, capturing a moment with a woman known as “Melenita de oro,” a term which translates to “Little golden-haired one” in English. This woman, who has charmed the persona, is described as cheerful and bubbly as champagne, yet her joyous exterior masks an underlying solitude and pain. As the night unfolds, the persona learns of her deceit; her lips, painted and red, have lied, leading him into a profound emotional betrayal.
The tango is laden with symbolic imagery that enhances the emotional depth of the story. The “painted lips” of Melenita de oro symbolize the facade or mask that people wear to hide their true feelings or intentions. The reference to her being “more cheerful and blonder than champagne” at the beginning and later being a vision in his eyes conveys a stark contrast between the public vivacity and private torment, reinforcing the theme of hidden truths behind a joyful facade. Lastly, the repeated line, “Do not laugh, you are suffering,” directly conveys the conflict between her outward appearance and inner turmoil.
Recorded in 1961 in Argentina, “Melenita de oro” reflects the social and cultural atmosphere of the time. The 1960s in Argentina were a period of significant political and social changes, and this tango, like many others, uses personal tales of love and betrayal as a metaphor for the wider societal deceptions and disappointments. The traditional setting of a dance hall, a popular social venue, enhances the relatability and emotional resonance of the story, grounding it in a familiar cultural context.
Samuel Linnig was an influential figure in the world of Tango, marking his legacy with poignant and impactful compositions.