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No es por hablar mal (2)

No es por hablar mal (2) is a Tango written by Enrique Delfino and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1930. Roberto Firpo has recorded No es por hablar mal (2) as an instrumental Tango.
The piece titled “No es por hablar mal (2),” which translates to “It’s Not to Speak Ill (2)” in English, carries a nuanced whisper of unintended honesty. This evocative tango seems to step lightly around the edges of delicate truths, revealing not bitterness but the subtle dance of reflection and acceptance. It invites listeners to ponder the art of saying much with little, wrapped in the grace of unspoken elegance.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Manuel Romero

Author

Enrique Delfino

Composer

1930/9/18

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

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No es por hablar mal (2) recorded by other Orchestras

No es por hablar mal (2) recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango No es por hablar mal (2)

Por todos laos se ve

Materia pa´ cortar,

Ayer mismo encontré

En la avenida Alvear,

Al gringo don José

Que ya no lustra más,

Porque ahora a su mujer

La lustra un gran bacán.

Y Pancho, el carnicero

Hoy maneja un gran sedán,

Y tiene cuatro hermanas

Que también se dan…

Las cosas que observás

Te ponen colorao…

Y luego si charlás

Te baten: ¡Amargao!



¡No es por hablar mal, qué esperanza!

¿Pero no es triste que al lunfardo Belisario,

chorro junao y retratao

lo hayan hecho comisario?

¡No es por hablar mal, qué esperanza!

Pero hoy, compadre, hasta los orres remanyaos

Son potentaos o diputaos

Y están con los de arriba acomodaos.



Conozco un habitué

Que se hace el señorón,

Y que, afilándome

No falta una función.

Me manda a dos por tres

De flores, un montón,

Y en casa la mujer

No tiene pa´ l buyón.

Y algunos que por cena

Toman un café cortao,

Y aquí dan la propina

Para estar bien ubicaos.

Las cosas que observás

Te ponen colorao…

Y luego si charlás

Te baten: ¡Amargao!…

English lyrics of the Tango "No es por hablar mal (2)"

Everywhere you see

Material to rant,

Just yesterday I found

On Alvear avenue,

The foreigner Mr. Joseph

Who no longer shines shoes,

Because now his wife

Is polished by a great dandy.

And Pancho, the butcher

Now drives a big sedan,

And has four sisters

Who also indulge…

The things you observe

Make you blush…

And later if you chat

They call you: Bitter!

Not to speak ill, of course!

But isn’t it sad that Belisario, a recognized thief,

Has been made a commissary?

Not to speak ill, of course!

But today, buddy, even the dodgiest characters

Are potentates or deputies

And they cozy up with the higher-ups.

I know a regular

Who pretends to be a gentleman,

And, flattering me,

Never misses a function.

He sends me piles of flowers frequently,

While at home his wife

Lacks even the basics.

And some who for dinner

Have just a shortened coffee,

Here they tip

To be well positioned.

The things you observe

Make you blush…

And later if you chat

They call you: Bitter!…

No es por hablar mal (2) by Manuel Romero

No es por hablar mal (2) is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Enrique Delfino.



Story behind the Tango No es por hablar mal (2)

The tango “No es por hablar mal (2)” is a vivid portrayal of societal observations and everyday occurrences, wrapped in a humorous but critical narrative. The lyrics focus on the hypocrisies and ironic situations that the narrator encounters in his daily life, especially highlighting the transformation of characters in society who elevate their social standings through dubious means. This piece paints a picture where societal values seem upturned, with former criminals becoming law enforcers and the impoverished pretending affluence, all contributing to a broader commentary on social mobility and authenticity.



Symbolism of No es por hablar mal (2)

The lyrics of the song are ripe with symbolism and satirical commentary. Phrases like “la lustra un gran bacán,“ metaphorically describe how people polish their public image or facade to climb the social ladder, often at a personal or moral cost. The repeated line, “¡No es por hablar mal, qué esperanza!” emphasizes the reluctant, yet necessary criticism the speaker feels compelled to make about the state of societal ethics and values. This duality in the line reflects a common man’s conflict between politeness and the need to speak out against societal absurdities.



No es por hablar mal (2) in Historic Context

Created in 1930 in Argentina, a period marked by significant political and social shifts, this tango by Manuel Romero offers insight into the public psyche and societal critique of the era. This was a time when Argentina was characterized by economic fluctuations and a burgeoning middle class whose aspirations often led to a disregard for traditional values in pursuit of material success. The transformation of everyday people, as noted in the lyrics from humble beginnings to positions of power or pretending wealth, mirrors the societal transformations during the Argentine Rase’s rise to power and the subsequent effects of the Great Depression globally.



Manuel Romero

Manuel Romero was a prominent Argentinian lyricist known for his poignant and often satirical commentary on society through his tango compositions.