Milonga compadre by Carlos Bahr

Milonga compadre is a Tango written by Carlos Bahr and composed by José Mastropietro.

Story behind the Tango Milonga compadre

“Milonga compadre” captures the essence of time and culture in Argentina by exploring the lifestyle and times of a character from the past. The lyrics evoke images of a complex figure who embraced the more turbulent and sometimes unseemly aspects of urban life. The protagonist proudly proclaims their identity to be an outcome of the old days, reflecting a rugged aspect of the cultural history of Buenos Aires.

Symbolism of Milonga compadre

The phrase “Soy el pasao. Turbio y procaz” symbolizes the speaker’s acknowledgment of a past that is not only distant but also tainted and bold. This acknowledges the gritty realities of urban life that shaped him. Characterizing the past as “turbio” (murky) and “procaz” (impudent) suggests that the milieu was riddled with challenges and misadventures, contributing to the speaker’s audacious personality. The term “compadrear” refers literally to fostering the role of a “compadre” or godfather but contextually aligns with the idea of assuming an assertive, street-smart role in society, indicative of brotherhood and survival spirit prevalent in certain Argentine communities.

Milonga compadre in historic Context

Composed in 1938, “Milonga compadre” came to life in a period of notable political and social transition in Argentina. The country was on the brink of significant changes, wrestling with the impacts of the Infamous Decade and leading up to the era of Juan Domingo Perón. Amidst this turbulent backdrop, tango was not merely a form of entertainment; it became a narrative medium. Through conveying experiences and emotions, tangos like “Milonga compadre” tapped into the collective cultural psyche, offering both an escape and a commentary on the socio-political currents of the time.

Carlos Bahr

Carlos Bahr was a prominent tango lyricist and poet known for his ability to infuse depth and emotion into his compositions, vividly capturing the spirit of Argentinian life and the complexities of human emotions.