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Pato

Pato is a Tango written by Ramón Collazo and recorded by Pedro Laurenz in 1926. Pedro Laurenz has recorded Pato as an instrumental Tango.
“Pato,” meaning “Duck” in English, glides gracefully through the airwaves like its namesake on serene waters. The music evokes the gentle ripples of a pond, where the duck dances with the reflections of the sky. In its melody, we find a playful elegance, a reminder of nature’s simple beauty and the seamless harmony of the dance between water and wings.

Tango

Style

Pedro Laurenz

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Ramón Collazo

Author

Ramón Collazo

Composer

1926/11/24

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Pedro Laurenz
Pedro Laurenz

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Pato recorded by other Orchestras

Pato recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Pato

Ayer te vi pasar con aires de bacán
en una ‘voituret’ copera.
Te saludé y vos te hiciste el gil
como si no me conocieras;
llevabas en tu cara blanca de fifí
más polvos que una carretera.
Fue tal la bronca que yo me agarré
Que quise gritarte así:

Pato,
fuiste en todo momento.
Pato,
aunque quieras despistar.
Seco,
hoy tenés apartamento
y te pasan mucho vento
pa’ lucirte en el Pigall.
Pato,
que peinás a la gomina,
hoy sos
milonguero y compadrón.
Cuando
te dé el espiante la mina
volverás por nuestra esquina
a mangar para el bullón.

De lo que fuiste ayer ya nada te quedó
muchacho rante de mi barrio,
y quién te vio como te he visto yo
nota que sos un pobre otario.
Recuerda que la vida de cualquier bacán
tiene más vueltas que la oreja,
y si un día la suerte no da,
al suburbio volverás.

English lyrics of the Tango "Pato"

Yesterday I saw you pass, playing the big shot,
in a flashy little sedan.
I greeted you, but you played dumb
as if you didn’t know me;
on your fancy pale face
more powder than a dirt road.
I was so furious,
I wanted to shout at you:

Duck,
you were phony all along.
Duck,
though you try to mislead.
Dry,
now you own an apartment
and they give you plenty of dough
to show off in Pigall.
Duck,
styling your hair with pomade,
now you’re
a dancer and a tough guy.
When
the girl sees through you,
you’ll come back to our corner
begging for the stew.

What remained of you yesterday is gone,
common boy from my neighborhood,
and those who saw what I saw
know that you’re just a poor sap.
Remember that the life of any slicker
has more twists than an ear,
and if one day fortune doesn’t favor,
back to the slums you’ll return.

Pato by Ramón Collazo

Pato is a Tango written by Ramón Collazo and composed by Ramón Collazo.



Story behind the Tango Pato

“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.



Symbolism of Pato

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.



Pato in historic Context

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

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.