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Papel picado

Papel picado is a Tango written by Cátulo Castillo and recorded by Ricardo Tanturi in 1948. The Tango Papel picado is written by Cátulo Castillo, Ricardo Tanturi has recorded Papel picado with the singer Osvaldo Ribo.
“Papel picado,” or “perforated paper,” dances through the air like a delicate tapestry of sound. Each note, like a fragment of color, weaves an intricate pattern of emotions, swaying gently in a breeze of melody. The music captures the essence of life’s fragile beauty, ephemeral yet vivid, echoing the ancient art’s celebration of life’s vibrant moments.

Tango

Style

Ricardo Tanturi

Orchestra

Osvaldo Ribo

Singer

José González Castillo

Author

Cátulo Castillo

Composer

1948/1/26

Date

Osvaldo Ribo
Osvaldo Ribo
Ricardo Tanturi
Ricardo Tanturi

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Recommended

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.

1948/1/26 – Bolero – Ricardo Tanturi
1948/1/31 – Amemonos – Alfredo Gobbi
1948/1/21 – De pura cepa (2) – Cuarteto Tipico Roberto Firpo
1948/1/21 – Didi – Cuarteto Tipico Roberto Firpo
1948/2/4 – Cancion para breve final – Francini-Pontier

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Papel picado

This is the translation of the Tango “Papel picado” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Papel picado” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Papel picado

Pasaste en el turbión del carnaval,
como un detalle más de su tropel,
y me arrojaste, riéndote, al pasar,
un manotón de trozos de papel.

Nevaba. Estaba viejo mi gabán,
y yo sentí llegar al corazón,
como otra nieve cruel,
tus trozos de papel,
que fueron pedacitos de ilusión.

¡Carnaval!… Carnaval
que te burlas de mí,
¿volverás a pasar
otra vez con Mimí?

¡Carnaval!… Carnaval,
¿mis treinta años qué son
si no sé ni cantar
ni olvidar tu canción?

También a mi buhardilla un carnaval,
te trajo la comparsa aquella vez.
Era en París. Nevaba y no había pan,
y te pintó un banquete mi pincel.

Entonces era nuevo mi gabán
y loco el corazón, ciega la fe.
Helaba y en mi afán
lo mismo lo empeñé,
para comprar papel
en vez de pan…

English lyrics of the Tango "Papel picado"

You passed in the whirlwind of carnival,
as just another detail in its throng,
and as you laughed, in passing, you threw
a handful of paper scraps at me.

It was snowing. My coat was old,
and to my heart, I felt arrive
like another cruel snow,
your bits of paper,
which were tiny pieces of illusion.

Carnival!… Carnival
that mocks me,
will you pass by again
another time with Mimí?

Carnival!… Carnival,
what are my thirty years
if I know neither how to sing
nor forget your song?

To my attic too, a carnival,
that parade brought you once.
It was in Paris. It was snowing and there was no bread,
and my paintbrush painted you a feast.

Back then my coat was new
and my heart was wild, faith was blind.
It froze and in my eagerness
the same I pawned,
to buy paper
instead of bread…

Papel picado by José González Castillo

Papel picado is a Tango written by José González Castillo and composed by Cátulo Castillo.



Story behind the Tango Papel picado

The song “Papel picado,” translated to “Shredded Paper,” vividly captures moments during a carnival, using it as a metaphor for fleeting happiness and the fragility of life’s joyful moments. The narrator reflects on a memory where shredded paper was tossed at him during a carnival, symbolizing transient joy and unfulfilled desires. With a deeper introspective tone, the lyrics reveal the weight of nostalgia and the passage of time as he questions the eternity of youth and joy.



Symbolism of Papel picado

Shredded paper, or “Papel picado,” in this tango serves as a profound symbol for ephemeral moments and broken dreams. The act of throwing shredded paper during a festive celebration contrasts with the melancholic realization of fleeting youth and opportunities. Key phrases like “tus trozos de papel, que fueron pedacitos de ilusión” translate to “your pieces of paper, which were little pieces of illusion,” highlighting the temporary illusions of happiness in life. The recurring carnival motif represents life’s cyclical nature and the inevitability of highs and lows.



Papel picado in historic Context

Recorded in 1948, “Papel picado” reflects post-war sentiments common in Argentina and much of the world. During this time, people were grappling with the aftermath of World War II and were often caught between recovery and despair. The nostalgic and somewhat bleak tone of the lyrics captures the collective sentiment of a generation struggling to find joy amid economic difficulties and the emotional scars left by the war.



José González Castillo

José González Castillo was a prominent Argentine playwright, poet, and tango lyricist, known for his deep social involvement and poignant compositions.