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.
Pato is a Tango written by Ramón Collazo and composed by Ramón Collazo.
“Pato” speaks with a sharp and critical tone, addressing a character who has seemingly turned his back on his roots and past acquaintances once he gained some wealth and status. The lyrical voice expresses disapproval and a sense of betrayal, observing the character’s transformation and frivolous newfound lifestyle, highlighting his disconnect from his former life and companions.
The word “Pato”, which translates to “fool” or “duck” in English, is symbolic of someone who is easy to deceive or someone who behaves comically, capturing the essence of a person who has become foolish amid newfound pretensions. The lyrics are rich with mocking tones, notably in phrases like “te hiciste el gil” (playing the fool), suggesting the subject’s deliberate ignorance of his past. The term “milonguero y compadrón” taps into the tango culture, referring to someone who enjoys nightlife but in a somewhat derogatory sense here, implying superficiality.
Recorded in 1926, “Pato” was created during a period when Tango was weaving itself into the fabric of Argentine culture, often reflecting societal issues and personal stories. This era was marked by significant social changes and the migration of individuals from rural areas to cities like Buenos Aires in search of better opportunities. The lyrics reflect this urban shift and the materialism it often bred among individuals, highlighting the era’s social dynamics and personal transformations.
Ramón Collazo was a significant figure in the history of Tango, known not just for his compositions but also for capturing the social narratives of his time in his music.