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.
Por una muñeca is a Tango written by Manuel Barros and composed by Emilio Balcarce.
The poignant narrative of “Por una muñeca” revolves around a tragic incident involving a young girl named Trinidad. The tango recounts the story of Trinidad, a pure and innocent child depicted vividly through her comparison to a lily – white, pure, and gentle. One fateful evening, her life is abruptly ended by a car accident while she picks up a discarded black doll from the street, an act that symbolizes her innocence and indiscriminate love. The lyrics poignantly portray this moment and her consequent plea not to be separated from the doll, highlighting a profound expression of attachment and love, even in the face of death.
“Por una muñeca” relies heavily on symbolic contrast and imagery to deepen the emotional impact of the narrative. The recurring reference to colors, notably white and black, serves as a metaphorical layer contrasting purity and societal rejection, innocence and neglect. Trinidad’s white hands and the “negra” doll she clings to amplify themes of innocence and acceptance amidst societal prejudices. This imagery juxtaposed with her tragic death underscores the poignant critique of societal values, underlined by her ultimate sacrifice – her life – for a doll someone likely discarded because of its color.
Recorded in 1954 in Argentina, “Por una muñeca” emerged in a period marked by social and political upheavals. The lyrics reflect a societal commentary on issues like racial discrimination and child innocence, prevalent concerns during mid-20th-century Argentina. The song captures the essence of tango as a form expressing deeper societal stories, making personal tragedies a mirror for larger social critiques. The tale of Trinidad and her last act of love for a rejected doll resonates with the universal themes of love, loss, and societal neglect.
Manuel Barros is recognized for his poignant contributions to the tango genre, capturing deep emotional and societal insights through his lyrics.