Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Portate bien que sos grande is a Tango written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and composed by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez.
The tango “Portate bien que sos grande” translates to “Behave yourself, you are grown up” in English. The lyrics weave a narrative that is both humourous and critical, centered around a character called Ruperto. Ruperto is advised to change his ways, particularly in his approach to relationships and social interactions, as it becomes clear that his attempts at being a charismatic lover are failing miserably. The song uses colloquial language and satirical tone to highlight Ruperto’s misguided self-perception versus how society sees him.
The lyric employs vivid imagery and metaphors to critique the social behavior of Ruperto. Phrases like “Cambiá el disco de tu vida” (change the record of your life) and “vas mortaja en los amores” (you go shrouded in loves) symbolize his need for a significant personal transformation. The repeated line, “Portate bien que sos grande,” serves as a symbolic and ironic reminder that despite being an adult, Ruperto behaves in a way that is socially and romantically immature. Instructing him to “encerrate en una jaula” (lock yourself in a cage) underscores his perceived menace to society, especially to women.
The Tango was recorded on December 4, 1930, a pivotal time in Argentina marked by economic woes and the onset of the Infamous Decade, a period characterized by political instability and corruption. These challenging times often influenced tango lyrics which reflected societal concerns, using both humor and pathos to critique and cope with the struggles of daily life. In this context, Ruperto can be seen as a figure of ridicule, embodying the failings and excesses that people wished to distance themselves from during a period of national hardship.
Gerardo Matos Rodríguez was a prominent Uruguayan composer and musician, best known for his famous tango “La Cumparsita.” His works often carry a deep appreciation for the tango tradition, blending emotional depth with societal commentary.