Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Noche de reyes

Noche de reyes is a Tango written by Pedro Maffia and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1927. Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded Noche de reyes as an instrumental Tango.
“Noche de Reyes,” or “Night of Kings,” evokes an evening where dreams and reality dance under a star-strewn sky. This piece conjures visions of regal elegance, capturing the mystique and allure of a grand celebration. Each note whispers secrets of nobility and enchantment, compelling listeners to envision a world where fantasy and majesty reign supreme.

Letra del Tango Noche de reyes

La quise como nadie tal vez haya querido
y la adoraba tanto que hasta celos sentí.
Por ella me hice bueno, honrado y buen marido
y en hombre de trabajo, mi vida convertí.
Al cabo de algún tiempo de unir nuestro destino
nacía un varoncito, orgullo de mi hogar;
y era mi dicha tanta al ver claro mi camino,
ser padre de familia, honrado y trabajar.

Pero una noche de Reyes,
cuando a mi hogar regresaba,
comprobé que me engañaba
con el amigo más fiel.
Y ofendido en mi amor propio
quise vengar el ultraje,
lleno de ira y coraje
¡sin compasión los maté!

Qué cuadro compañeros, no quiero recordarlo,
me llena de vergüenza, de odio y de rencor.
¡De qué vale ser bueno! Si aparte de vengarme
clavaron en mi pecho la flecha del dolor.
Por eso compañero, como hoy es día de Reyes,
los zapatitos el nene afuera los dejó.
Espera un regalito y no sabe que a la madre
por falsa y por canalla, ¡su padre la mató!

English lyrics of the Tango "Noche de reyes"

I loved her as no one else perhaps ever had,
and adored her so much that I even felt jealous.
For her, I became good, honest, and a faithful husband,
and into a hardworking man, my life transformed.
After some time of sharing our destinies,
a son was born, the pride of my home;
and my joy was immense, seeing my path clear,
to be a family man, upright and working hard.

But one night of Epiphany,
as I was returning home,
I discovered she was cheating
with my most faithful friend.
Wounded in my pride,
I sought to avenge the insult,
full of rage and courage
—I mercilessly killed them both!

What a scene, my friends, I don’t want to recall it,
it fills me with shame, hatred, and bitterness.
What’s the point of being good! As, apart from avenging,
they planted in my heart the arrow of pain.
That’s why my friend, since today is Epiphany,
the little one left his shoes outside.
He’s expecting a small gift, not knowing that his mother,
for being false and scoundrel, his father killed!

Noche de reyes by Jorge Curi

Noche de reyes is a Tango written by Jorge Curi and composed by Pedro Maffia.



Story behind the Tango Noche de reyes

“Noche de Reyes” tells a tragic narrative of love, betrayal, and revenge. The lyrics outline the story of a man deeply devoted to his wife, feeling blessed by her love and the birth of their son, symbolizing hope and a new beginning as a family. However, this ideal situation turns into a nightmare on the night of Epiphany (“Noche de Reyes”), traditionally a festive occasion. Upon arriving home, he discovers his wife’s infidelity with his closest friend, which drives him to commit a dire act of vengeance by killing them both. The song concludes on a heart-wrenchingly poignant note, highlighting the irony of the innocent child waiting for gifts not knowing the tragic events involving his parents.



Symbolism of Noche de reyes

The title “Noche de Reyes” or “Night of Kings” is deeply symbolic, referring to the Epiphany, a day of revelation and gift-giving, which contrasts with the protagonist’s gruesome discovery and his subsequent actions. The phrase “sin compasión los maté” underscores the depth of his betrayal and pain, driving him beyond any compassion. Moreover, the reference to the son’s small shoes waiting for gifts epitomizes lost innocence and the devastating impact of adult actions on the lives of children. This duality offers rich layers of meaning contrasting the sacred and profound personal betrayal.



Noche de reyes in historic Context

Recorded in 1927, during a vibrant period in Argentine history known as the Infamous Decade, “Noche de Reyes” reflects societal attitudes towards honor, morality, and personal justice prevalent at that time. The Tango, emerging from the lower classes of Buenos Aires, often depicted themes of everyday struggles, passions, and tragedies, serving as a vocal expression for the voiceless. This particular piece resonates with the emotional extremes that define tango: deep passion, intense betrayal, and the tragic consequences of unbridled emotions.



Jorge Curi

Jorge Curi was an influential lyricist in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his evocative and heart-wrenching storytelling through music.