Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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 es por hablar mal (2) is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Enrique Delfino.
In “No es por hablar mal (2)”, Manuel Romero explores societal hypocrisy and the disparities between public persona and private realities. Through his lyrics, he narrates everyday scenes where individuals boast about or exaggerate their social status while masking their struggles. The repeated phrase “No es por hablar mal, qué esperanza!” suggests a reluctance to speak ill of others, yet highlights a need to address underlying societal issues, hinting at a complex interplay of gossip and genuine concern. Each vignette captures moments where social appearances are valued over authenticity.
The tango is ripe with symbolism that critiques social changes and mobility in late 1920s Argentina. Characters such as “gringo don José” who “ya no lustra más” (no longer polishes shoes) and “Pancho, el carnicero” who now drives a sedan, are symbolic of individuals transitioning from lower social statuses to higher ones, possibly in dishonest or ironic ways. The transformation of criminals into law enforcers or political figures (“Belisario, chorro junao y retratao lo hayan hecho comisario”) serves as a poignant metaphor for the corruption and inversion of moral values.
Written and recorded in the late 1920s, “No es por hablar mal (2)” reflects the societal and economic flux of Argentina. Post World War I period marked by general economic recovery saw emergent middle classes and shifts in societal structures. Romero’s lyrics subtly criticize these transformations and the social climbing that accompanied economic changes, mocking the superficiality and duplicity that often came with it. The lyrics reference real places like “avenida Alvear,” aligning the narrative with everyday experiences of contemporary Buenos Aires.
Manuel Romero was a prolific Argentine play writer and filmmaker known for his contributions to the national culture and the Tango scene.