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 tengo la culpa is a Tango written by Arturo De La Torre and composed by Carlos Olmedo.
“No tengo la culpa” translates to “I am not to blame” in English, capturing the essence of resignation and self-recognition in the face of personal failings and life’s circumstances. The lyrics explore themes of self-destructive behavior, resignation, and a vague nostalgia for lost possibilities. The narrator acknowledges his alcoholic tendencies and his dwindling life rooted in bohemian preferences, contrasting his inevitable decline with the purity and goodness of the person he addresses. Potentially speaking to a lover or close companion, he admits his faults and absolves them of any responsibility for his choices, urging them not to cry or suffer on his account.
The narrative of the song is imbued with symbolism. The recurring image of night and darkness, exemplified by phrases like “El cielo está lindo, cubierto de estrellas,” symbolizes a dual theme of beauty in destruction and loneliness in clarity. Moreover, “Yo voy pa’l infierno, que venden alcohol”, where the narrator describes his path as leading to hell—a place of continued indulgence in his vices—mirrors the struggle with inevitable self-destruction yet an acceptance of this fate with a nearly celebratory tone. The mention of “carnaval” towards the end suggests a societal acceptance of masked revelry and temporary abandon, which the narrator uses to highlight the ephemeral pleasures and pains of his life.
Recorded in 1961 Argentina, “No tengo la culpa” stands out against the backdrop of a society grappling with political and economic instability. During this period, Argentina faced significant changes and challenges, which often led to social disarray and personal introspection. The tango reflects not only individual despair but also a broader cultural narrative of grappling with loss—be it of economic stability, political certainty, or personal integrity. The casual acceptance of personal decline depicted in the tango could be a reflection of a broader societal desensitization to misfortune and chaos.
Arturo De La Torre was a notable figure in the Argentine tango scene, known for his evocative lyrics and poignant narratives that often reflected the human condition and societal issues within his cultural context.