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.
No aflojés is a Tango written by Mario Battistella and composed by Sebastián Piana.
“No aflojés,” which translates to “Don’t Give Up” in English, is a poignant plea from the past, a call to maintain the spirit and characteristics of a time gone by. The lyrics depict a character speaking to an old companion, reminiscing about the golden days of their youth. The singer describes the persona of the listener as someone who was once a leader and a key figure in their local scene, notably in vibrant dance halls filled with admiration and energy. The theme revolves around the inevitable changes brought by time and the longing to cling to the vestiges of former vibrancy and respect.
Mario Battistella employs rich symbolism in “No aflojés’ to romanticize the past and critique the present. Terms like “maula el tiempo” (time is a cheat) and the “revocar de asfalto” (asphalt revocation) symbolize the transformation of the protagonist’s old neighborhood, hinting at a loss of authenticity and a takeover by the unremarkable (“otario”). These phrases do not just speak about physical changes but also a shift in values, from camaraderie and respect to something less admirable. Phrases like “soy el tango hecho lamento” (I am the tango turned into lament) and “vuelco la esquina final” (turning the final corner) poignantly encapsulate the essence of nostalgia and an unwillingness to let go of the past.
Recorded in Argentina in 1940, a time when the nation was undergoing socio-political changes and modernization, “No aflojés” serves as a nostalgic canvas illustrating the dichotomy between the old and the new. This period in Argentine history saw a significant push towards urbanization, which often led to the erosion of traditional cultural practices and local haunts, much like the ones described in the tango. Battistella uses the tango to critique these changes and to urge preserving traditional values and practices, encapsulated by the refrain “no aflojés,” urging resilience amidst change.
Mario Battistella was an Argentine poet and tango lyricist, known for his emotive and evocative lyrics that often reflect themes of nostalgia, love, and social commentary.