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.
Mueble viejo is a Tango written and composed by Raúl de los Hoyos.
“Mueble viejo,” which translates to “Old Furniture” in English, metaphorically describes a person who, having once shined with youth and exuberance, has now aged and lost their former glory. The lyrics poignantly address someone who can no longer dazzle with their youthful antics, likening them to an old piece of furniture. The reflective and somewhat melancholic tone explores themes of ageing, nostalgia, and the cruel passage of time that diminishes physical beauty and vitality.
The phrase “Hace rato mueble viejo” associates the human aging process with the wear and tear on old furniture, suggesting that both inevitably lose their lustre over time. The reference to “la cana en tu cabeza” (grey hair on your head) symbolizes the visible signs of aging, while “ya no son más que aserrín” (are now nothing but sawdust) emphasizes the idea of being worn down to nothingness. This symbolism poignantly highlights the inevitable decay all beings face.
Recorded in 1928 in Argentina, “Mueble viejo” reflects the popular themes of the time in tango music, where personal strife, romantic encounters, and melancholic retrospection were common. During this era, tango was a profound expression of the emotional and social experiences of the lower classes in Buenos Aires, serving both as entertainment and a form of social commentary. The lyrics could be reflective of the economic and social transformations of the era, perhaps lamenting the lost youth and opportunity during tumultuous times.
Raúl de los Hoyos was an Argentine tango composer and lyricist known for his evocative and reflective works in the rich tapestry of early 20th-century tango music.