Naipe marcado by Ángel Greco

Naipe marcado is a Tango written by Ángel Greco and composed by Ángel Greco.

Story behind the Tango Naipe marcado

The lyrics of ‘Naipe marcado’ weave a narrative that explores the sentiment of longing and searching for the essence of the tango, which seems to have disappeared. The narrator, with deep emotional ties to the traditional Buenos Aires music scene, journeys through iconic streets and locations within the city, lamenting the perceived loss of authentic tango music, represented by the metaphorical figure of the tango itself lost along with its essential companion, the bandoneon.

Symbolism of Naipe marcado

‘Naipe marcado,’ translated to English means ‘Marked Card,’ a phrase rich in connotation, often implying fate or destiny that cannot be avoided, similar to a rigged card in a game destined for a specific purpose. Within the context of the song, it symbolizes the inescapable fate of changes and evolutions in the tango music tradition, suggesting that despite efforts to preserve its original form, transformation is inevitable. The vivid imagery of streets and elements of Buenos Aires culture enhances the nostalgic tone, evoking a deep sense of loss and yearning for the past.

Naipe marcado in historic Context

Released in 1970, during a period of significant cultural and political shifts in Argentina, ‘Naipe marcado’ reflects a sense of displacement and melancholy prevalent amongst those who felt disconnected from contemporary societal changes. The historical context adds layers to the song, framing the tango’s ‘disappearance’ as a metaphor for broader cultural shifts that were moving away from traditional values and entering a modern era, where the classic elements of Argentine identity were perceived to be fading.

Ángel Greco

Ángel Greco was an Argentine tango musician and lyricist, known for his contributions to the traditional tango genre and its preservation within Argentine culture.