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Por qué doblan las campanas

Por qué doblan las campanas is a Tango written by Alfredo De Angelis and recorded by Edgardo Donato in 1951. The Tango Por qué doblan las campanas is written by Alfredo De Angelis, Edgardo Donato has recorded Por qué doblan las campanas with the singer Carlos Almada.
“Por qué doblan las campanas,” translated to English as “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” invites listeners to ponder their own significance in the vast tapestry of life. Each resonant chime is a reminder of shared experiences and collective fate. This piece, much like a tango, dances with the bittersweet rhythm of existence, echoing the universal call for introspection and connection.

Tango

Style

Edgardo Donato

Orchestra

Carlos Almada

Singer

José Rótulo

Author

Alfredo De Angelis

Composer

1951/9/17

Date

Carlos Almada
Carlos Almada
Edgardo Donato
Edgardo Donato

Discover Other Orchestras

Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – La puñalada – 1949/7/27
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El entrerriano – 1940/8/29
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – La trilla – 1936/12/19
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El llorón – 1944/6/2
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Organito de suburbio – 1951/8/7
Aníbal Troilo – Desencuentro – 1962/2/9
Aníbal Troilo – El africano – 1967/10/18
Aníbal Troilo – La bordona – 1958/6/6
Aníbal Troilo – Aquí nomás – 1965/12/16
Aníbal Troilo – Inspiración – (unknown date)
Armando Pontier – Como dos extraños – 1960/7/7
Armando Pontier – Cambalache – 1958/2/25
Armando Pontier – Estas cosas de la vida – 1957/6/25
Armando Pontier – Mariposita – 1979/5/22
Armando Pontier – Yo soy el tango – 1968/4/17
Astor Piazzolla – Chiquilín de Bachín – 1969/12/4
Astor Piazzolla – El milagro – 1946/11/28
Astor Piazzolla – Milonga del ángel – 1986/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Lumière 3
Lumière – 1976/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Michelangelo ’70 – 1987/1/1

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.

Por qué doblan las campanas recorded by other Orchestras

Por qué doblan las campanas recorded by other Orchestras

1951/9/17 – Carton ligador – Edgardo Donato
1951/9/17 – El camion – Edgardo Donato
1951/9/17 – El vinacho – Edgardo Donato
1951/9/14 – Paciencia – Juan D-Arienzo
1951/9/14 – Este carnaval – Juan D-Arienzo
Por que doblan las campanas – 1951/9/17 – Edgardo Donato – Carlos Almada
Por que doblan las campanas – 1951/5/29 – Alfredo De Angelis – Carlos Dante
Oscar Larroca

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Por qué doblan las campanas

This is the translation of the Tango “Por qué doblan las campanas” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Por qué doblan las campanas” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Por qué doblan las campanas

Cantan las campanas de mi pueblo
tienen alegrías de cencerro,
vuelan las palomas desbandadas
por el son de las campanas
que repican con su voz.
Nunca se escuchó tan de mañana
ese repicar de las campanas,
rompe la armonía de los bronces
un clarín que anuncia a voces…
ha llegado el invasor.

Señor… piedad, señor…
por el amor de nuestro Dios,
señor… piedad, señor…
por el horror de ver sufrir.
Rezos que son plegarias a Jesús,
cantos y besos para que vuelvan,
tras la luz, los que cegaron
no ven al hombre que mata
al hombre sin compasión…
Señor… piedad, señor…
por el amor de nuestro Dios…

Llaman al rayar la madrugada,
otra vez, el son de las campanas;
tañen esta vez en son de gracias
porque vuelven a sus casas
los que fueron a luchar.
Vuelven a espigarse los trigales,
vuelven a cantar los manantiales,
todo en derredor respira vida,
no se ven sangrar heridas…
y en el mundo reina paz…

English lyrics of the Tango "Por qué doblan las campanas"

The bells of my village sing,
they carry the joy of cowbells,
pigeons scatter into flight
at the sound of the bells
that chime with their voice.
Never was it heard so early in the morning,
that ringing of the bells,
the harmony of the bronzes is shattered
by a bugle that announces loudly…
the invader has arrived.

Lord… have mercy, lord…
for the love of our God,
lord… have mercy, lord…
for the horror of seeing suffering.
Prayers that are pleas to Jesus,
songs and kisses for the return,
after the light, of those who were blinded
do not see the man who kills
another man without compassion…
Lord… have mercy, lord…
for the love of our God…

They call at the break of dawn,
again, the sound of the bells;
they toll this time in thanks
because those who went to fight
are returning home.
The wheat fields begin to thicken again,
the springs start to sing again,
everything around breathes life,
no wounds are seen bleeding…
and peace reigns in the world…

Por qué doblan las campanas by José Rótulo

Por qué doblan las campanas is a Tango written by José Rótulo and composed by Alfredo De Angelis.



Story behind the Tango Por qué doblan las campanas

The song “Por qué doblan las campanas” illustrates a poignant story set in a quiet village, utilizing the imagery of village bells ringing out. The beginning verses communicate the routine joy of the bells, often heard during festive occasions. This normalcy is disrupted by the sudden early morning ringing that indicates an invasion, shifting the tone from joy to despair and urgency. The bells, which initially symbolized communal happiness, tragically transform into harbingers of war and suffering.



Symbolism of Por qué doblan las campanas

The primary symbol in the lyrics is the church bells (“las campanas”), representing different facets of the human experience. Initially, they are associated with joy and celebration, later with warning and mourning, and finally, gratitude and peace. The transition of the bell’s symbolism echoes the human conditions of harmony, conflict, and reconciliation. Key phrases like “ha llegado el invasor” (the invader has arrived) and “el son de las campanas” (the sound of the bells) pivot the emotional narrative, emphasizing the dramatic changes that befall the community.



Por qué doblan las campanas in historic Context

Composed in 1951, post-World War II era Argentina was under the rule of President Juan Perón, a period marked by political strife and societal rebuilding. Though Argentina was not directly involved in World War II, the global atmosphere and the recent memories of war could have influenced Rótulo. The invocation of invasion and the subsequent appeal to God for mercy and peace reflect a universal longing for stability and the dreadful consequences of war. This tango, while reflective of specific historical pain, captures a timeless wish for peace and healing post-conflict.



José Rótulo

José Rótulo was an influential lyricist in the world of Tango, known for his poignant and evocative storytelling through music.