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.
Pa’ la muchachada is a Tango written by Carlos Jonsson and composed by Miguel Montero.
The lyrics of ‘Pa’ la muchachada’ unfold around a heartfelt tribute to the youth deeply invested in the tango culture of Buenos Aires. The song emphasizes the intrinsic link between the tango and the ‘barrio’ (neighborhood), suggesting that tango is not just a dance but a lifestyle that carves its expression right from the community streets into the grand dance halls. It narrates how tango rhythmically narrates life stories, filled with emotions and everyday struggles, resonating deeply with its listeners and dancers. Additionally, the lyrics appeal for the preservation of tango against those considered outsiders or modern influencers who might deviate it from its roots.
The frequent invocation of the ‘barrio’ and its elements in the song stands as a symbol of authenticity and traditional roots. Words like ‘patios de barrio’ and ‘calles de arrabal’ (streets of the suburbs) signify the modest, communal birthplace of tango, as opposed to the ‘asfalto’ (asphalt) or cityscape where its essence might be threatened by dissolution or commercialization. The contrast between the organic, intertwined existence of tango in the ‘barrio’ versus the cold, hard streets of the broader city encapsulates a common theme – a concern over losing cultural identity in the face of metropolitan influences. ‘Pa’ la muchachada’, translating to ‘For the young folks’ in English, underscores tango as a cultural inheritance that needs to be preserved and passed to future generations, distinctly tined with masculinity and simplicity as hinted by ‘sencillo y varón’.
Recorded in 1957, a period filled with political and social change in Argentina, ‘Pa’ la muchachada’ also serves as a nostalgic plea to preserve traditional values and cultural expressions at a time of technological advancement and cultural shifts. The mid-20th century saw rapid urbanization which influenced many cultural shifts, including musical expressions. Tango, which itself evolved as an expression of subcultural identity often from the immigrant and lower-class communities, faced its own challenges during this era from global music influences and changing social norms. Jonsson’s lyrics, while celebrating the vibrancy of tango, simultaneously contest its diminishing mainstream appeal, possibly likened to the sense of displacement felt by older generations during times of rapid societal change.
Carlos Jonsson, an Argentine lyricist, captured the essence of Buenos Aires’ streets and its deeper connection with tango culture through his impactful lyrics.