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.
Paloma is a Tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti and composed by Juan José Guichandut.
“Paloma,” a tango written by Horacio Sanguinetti, tells the story of a deep and enduring love, sentimentally tied to the serene landscapes of Argentina. The singer addresses his beloved, referring to her endearingly as “paloma,” which means “dove” in English—a symbol often associated with fidelity and peace. The lyrics convey a heartfelt proposal with imagery of a hidden nest “close to God,” suggesting purity and a heavenly connection in their union. The consistent refrain of calling his beloved “paloma” emphasizes his view of her as an embodiment of love and devotion.
In the tango “Paloma,” the word “paloma” itself is heavily symbolic, representing peace, loyalty, and purity, qualities attributed to the singer’s beloved. The setting of a modest stone ranch “that in all the land surely there are not two” symbolizes a unique, steadfast love that is as solid and enduring as stone. The imagery of the hidden nest nestled close to God suggests a divine blessing over their love, elevating its sanctity. Additionally, the natural settings, like the moonrise and the ranch in the sierra, complement the theme of a humble, pure love immersed in natural beauty.
Created in 1945, just as World War II was ending, “Paloma” emerged during a time when themes of peace and reunion were prevalent worldwide. Argentina, though geographically distant from the major theatres of war, was nonetheless impacted by the global shifts and the emergence of new societal reflections post-war. In this context, “Paloma” might have resonated with listeners as a yearning for peace and stability, symbolized in the song’s romantic narrative set against the timeless backdrop of the Argentine landscapes.
Horacio Sanguinetti was a prolific Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the tango genre, impacting Argentine popular music through his poignant and vivid storytelling.