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.
Pero yo sé is a Tango written and composed by Azucena Maizani.
“Pero yo sé” translates to “But I Know” in English, a title that suggests an intimate understanding or knowledge that the singer possesses about the subject of the song. The lyrics unfold the narrative of a man who seems to live a charmed, carefree life, engaging in nightly escapades, flaunting his elegance, and wandering through affluent streets of Buenos Aires like Corrientes and Florida. Yet, despite the glamorous surface, the song delves deep into the pain hidden beneath this facade—the unspoken heartbreak and persistent memories of a lost love that haunt him. The contrast between his public persona and private despair is poignantly captured, emphasizing the theme of dual lives and the disparity between appearance and reality.
The vivid imagery and symbolism in “Pero yo sé” paints a cultural and emotional landscape. Streets like Corrientes and Florida signify the bustling, lively heart of Buenos Aires, often associated with nightlife and entertainment. These locations symbolize the superficially glitzy life the man leads. Yet, the repeated phrase “Pero yo sé” acts as a haunting refrain, reminding us of the deeper, hidden truths. The song uses the metaphor of a costume or disguise (“es puro disfraz”) to suggest how the man’s affluent and carefree appearance conceals his true feelings, highlighting themes of identity, sorrow, and the human tendency to mask vulnerability.
The tango was recorded in 1942 during a tumultuous period characterized by global conflict and national changes in Argentina. Tango, often a reflection of societal moods, captured the complexities of individual emotions against a backdrop of broader societal upheaval. “Pero yo sé” mirrors this duality, portraying personal sorrow amid outward opulence, perhaps mirroring the societal facade of stability and prosperity in a world at war. This period also saw tango evolving, with more introspective and complex lyrics reflecting deeper narrative and emotional sophistication, as observed in this poignant piece.
Azucena Maizani was an influential Argentine tango singer and composer, known for her powerful contributions to the genre during its golden age.