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.
Milonga que peina canas is a Tango written and composed by Alberto Gómez.
The title “Milonga que peina canas,” translated to English as “Milonga that combs gray hair,” is itself a reflection on aging, nostalgia, and the passage of time. In this tango, Gómez revisits the cherished moments of his youth, highlighting his enduring passion for horse racing. The lyrics nostalgically recall the crowds, the excitement, and the names of notable horses, evoking a deep sense of longing for times past that can never be reclaimed.
Throughout the song, symbolic language enhances emotional depth. Phrases like “cuando era linda la vida” (when life was beautiful) and “cubierta por tanta nieve” (covered by so much snow) reference youth and age metaphorically, with “snow” suggesting the white hair of old age. Specific horse names like “Old Man” and “Payaso” not only stir personal memories for the singer but also suggest qualities of endurance and joy. The recurring chorus, which lists the names of horses mingled with expressions of longing and affection, deepens the theme of reminiscence.
Recorded in 1942 Argentina, this tango emerges during a vibrant but complex era marked by political shifts and the burgeoning nationalistic spirit of the decade. These were the years leading up to Juan Domingo Perón’s rise to power, reflecting a period of significant change and identity formation in Argentina. “Milonga que peina canas” subtly invokes a simpler, perhaps idealized past, contrasting with contemporary complexities while celebrating the uniquely Argentinian tradition of horse racing and tango culture.
Alberto Gómez was a prominent Argentine tango singer and composer whose works greatly contributed to the genre’s golden age.