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Patoteros

Patoteros is a Tango written by Adolfo Mondino and recorded by José Basso in 1953. The Tango Patoteros is written by Adolfo Mondino, José Basso has recorded Patoteros with the singer Rodolfo Galé.
“Patoteros” translates into English as “Bullies.” This evocative piece, perhaps a tango, captures the oppressive rhythm of intimidation, where lurking shadows play upon the edges of every note. The music weaves a tale of power and defiance, evoking the gritty dance of those who confront the menacing forces that seek to dominate and undermine.

Tango

Style

José Basso

Orchestra

Rodolfo Galé

Singer

Víctor Soliño

Author

Adolfo Mondino

Composer

1953/12/9

Date

Rodolfo Galé
Rodolfo Galé
José Basso
José Basso

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Patoteros recorded by other Orchestras

Patoteros recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Patoteros

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

Letra del Tango Patoteros

El barrio está en silencio, ya duerme el arrabal
En un balcón se mueren las flores de un rosal,
La luna desparrama su bella luz de plata
Que imprudente delata, un idilio de amor.
En tanto en la penumbra del negro callejón
Se ve llegar a un hombre silbando una canción,
En tanto la patota, que espera una ocasión
Se acerca al candidato, con cínica intención.

¡Patoteros!, Mozos ranas,
Barra de guapos, niños bien.
¡Patoteros!, Divertidos
Que de la farra siguen el tren.
¡Patoteros!, Caraduras,
Nenes que viven para cachar,
Que uno por uno, no valen nada
Pero en patota saben guapear.

El hombre es un obrero que vuelve del taller
Cansado de ganarse el pan para comer,
Cobarde la patota, de pronto lo rodea
Y un guapo lo golpea, haciéndolo caer.
En tanto que festejan la hazaña criminal
El hombre se levanta, sacando su puñal,
Y al verlo decidido, los taitas de cartón
Se esfuman en la sombra del negro callejón.

English lyrics of the Tango "Patoteros"

The neighborhood is silent, the outskirts now asleep,
On a balcony, rose flowers meet their demise,
The moon scatters its beautiful silver light
Recklessly revealing, a love affair.
Meanwhile, in the shadow of the dark alley
A man arrives whistling a tune,
Meanwhile, the gang, waiting for a chance
Approaches the target, with cynical intent.

Bullies! Young hotheads,
A gang of toughs, privileged kids.
Bullies! Fun seekers
Following the wild spree.
Bullies! Cheeky faces,
Kids living just to snatch,
Individually worthless,
But in a gang, they know how to act tough.

The man is a worker returning from the shop
Tired of earning his bread to eat,
Cowardly, the gang suddenly surrounds him
And a tough strikes him, making him fall.
As they celebrate the criminal feat
The man gets up, drawing his knife,
Seeing him determined, the cardboard toughs
Vanish into the shadow of the dark alley.

Patoteros by Víctor Soliño

Patoteros is a Tango written by Víctor Soliño and composed by Adolfo Mondino.

Story behind the Tango Patoteros

The song “Patoteros” captures a dramatic scene in a quiet neighborhood where the calm of the night is disrupted by a group of troublemakers – the ‘patoteros’. These are portrayed as brash, youthful members of society, negligent in their rowdy behavior and malicious intent. They assault a hardworking man returning from his job, showcasing stark contrasts between the victim’s everyday struggle and the attackers’ frivolous motives. This narrative explores themes of injustice and the stark reality of societal discrepancies.

Symbolism of Patoteros

The imagery of the “negro callejón” (dark alley) represents not only a physical setting but also symbolizes the hidden, darker aspects of society. The calm and beauty of the moonlight and the quiet neighborhood starkly contrast with the violence and brutality of the patoteros’ actions, emphasizing the disruption of peace. The song uses the dichotomy of light and darkness both literally and metaphorically to underline the dual nature of human settings and interactions.

Patoteros in historic Context

Recorded in 1953 Argentina, “Patoteros” reflects a period post-World War II where societal shifts and economic struggles were palpable. During this era, youth gangs, often composed of disillusioned men, became more prominent. These groups, known as “patotas,” were infamous for their group courage and individual cowardice, reflecting broader social issues like unemployment and social unrest. The juxtaposition in the tango between the working man and the patoteros possibly mirrors the tensions between the working class and the disruptive elements within society at the time.

Víctor Soliño

Víctor Soliño was a significant figure in the world of Tango, known for his poignant lyrics that often reflected social realities.