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Portate bien que sos grande

Portate bien que sos grande is a Tango written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and recorded by Orquesta Típica Victor in 1931. The Tango Portate bien que sos grande is written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, Orquesta Típica Victor has recorded Portate bien que sos grande with the singer Carlos Lafuente.
“Portate bien que sos grande” translates to “Behave yourself, you’re grown up.” This title speaks to the weight of maturity and the expectations placed upon those who must navigate life’s dance gracefully. It is a poetic reminder woven into the rhythm of the music, urging introspection and the embracing of wisdom in each step and note.

Tango

Style

Orquesta Típica Victor

Orchestra

Carlos Lafuente

Singer

Gerardo Matos Rodríguez

Author

Gerardo Matos Rodríguez

Composer

1931/1/13

Date

Carlos Lafuente
Carlos Lafuente
Orquesta Típica Victor
Orquesta Típica Victor

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Orquesta Típica Victor – Lazos de seda – 1926/12/13
Orquesta Típica Victor – Carolina – 1931/12/29
Orquesta Típica Victor – Virgencita del rocio – 1932/6/16
Francisco Canaro – Florida (2) – 1926/11/23
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Francisco Canaro – Alfredo – 1924/1/1
Francisco Canaro – I ain’t nobody’s darling – 1923/1/1
Francisco Canaro – El romántico fulero (Manoblanca) – 1925/1/1
Enrique Rodríguez – Mujeres feas – 1943/2/8
Enrique Rodríguez – En un bosque de la China – 1969/3/21
Enrique Rodríguez – Sonia – 1959/11/26
Enrique Rodríguez – Alma de Dios – 1946/11/13
Enrique Rodríguez – Llorar por una mujer – 1941/7/23
Ricardo Tanturi – Tango – 1942/7/20
Ricardo Tanturi – Recién – 1944/3/24
Ricardo Tanturi – Besos brujos – 1956/10/22
Ricardo Tanturi – Comparsa criolla (Comme il faut) – 1941/6/16
Ricardo Tanturi – Bolero – 1948/1/26

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Portate bien que sos grande recorded by other Orchestras

Portate bien que sos grande recorded by other Orchestras

1931/1/13 – La verdulera – Orquesta Tipica Victor
1931/1/10 – Que Dios la perdone – Carlos di Sarli
1931/1/10 – Cachivache – Carlos di Sarli
1931/1/9 – Dejeme que te acompane – Orquesta Tipica Victor
1931/1/9 – Dona Nicanora – Orquesta Tipica Victor
Portate bien que sos grande – 1930/12/4 – Roberto Firpo – Instrumental
Portate bien que sos grande – 1931/1/13 – Orquesta Tipica Victor – Carlos Lafuente

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Portate bien que sos grande

This is the translation of the Tango “Portate bien que sos grande” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Portate bien que sos grande” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Portate bien que sos grande

Che, Ruperto, por tu vieja

Cambiá el disco de tu vida,

No te acoplés a las minas

Que no estás en tu papel.

Embrocate en un espejo

Tenés la cara prohibida,

Y es un plato tu demencia,

Pues querés, de prepotencia

Ser tenorio de cartel.



No engrupís con tu chamuyo

Ni a los Santos Inocentes,

Y es inútil que te bañes

Y que te hagas depilar.

Sos el regalo más grande

Que pasea por Corrientes,

Y el terror de las pebetas,

Que al junarte la careta

Se te ponen a cantar:



Portate bien que sos grande

Por favor, encerrate en una jaula,

Vos sos un tipo ventosa,

Dedicate a cualquier cosa

Pero menos al amor.

Portate bien que sos grande

Che, farol, a vos nadie se te entrega,

Con tu pinta de fanega,

No embocás a una gallega

Ni en el Orfeón español.



Como vos, hay una punta

De fuleros pretenciosos,

Que las van de Valentino

Por las calles del trocén.

Y el que nace con tu escracho

De fenómeno coloso,

En el teatro de la vida,

Sufre al fin la sacudida

De la burla y el desdén.



Vas mortaja en los amores

Y no hay guinche que te aguante,

Y con piedra-imán sacate

Los delirios del melón.

Dejá a un lado los perfumes

Y los trajes elegantes,

Y rajá para Chiclana,

Que en el centro estás en cana

Retorná pa´ l corralón.

English lyrics of the Tango "Portate bien que sos grande"

Hey, Ruperto, for your old lady’s sake,

Change the record of your life,

Don’t align yourself with the ladies

You’re not fit for that role.

Look in a mirror,

You’ve got a banned face,

And your madness is a dish,

Since you want, forcefully,

To be a notorious lover.

You can’t charm anyone with your talk

Not even the Innocent Saints,

And it’s useless for you to bathe

And to get waxed.

You’re the greatest gift

Walking down Corrientes,

And the terror of young girls,

When they spot your mask

They start to sing:

Behave, you’re old

Please, lock yourself in a cage,

You’re like a leech,

Get into anything

But leave love alone.

Behave, you’re old

Hey, show-off, nobody gives in to you,

With your heap-like appearance,

You can’t win over a Spanish girl

Even in the Spanish Orfeon.

Like you, there are many

Pretentious ugly ones,

Who act like Valentino

In the streets of the outskirts.

And those born with your grotesque features

In life’s theater,

Eventually face

Mockery and scorn.

You’re a nightmare in love

And there’s no place that can stand you,

And with a magnet-stone remove

The delusions of grandeur.

Leave aside the perfumes

And the elegant suits,

And go off to Chiclana,

Because downtown you’re in jail,

Return to the stockyard.

Portate bien que sos grande by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez

Portate bien que sos grande is a Tango written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez and composed by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez.



Story behind the Tango Portate bien que sos grande

The lyrics of “Portate bien que sos grande” carry a humorous yet biting critique of a person who, despite his age, fails to behave appropriately, especially in romantic pursuits. The song addresses a character named Ruperto, urging him to change his ways, reflecting on his unsuccessful attempts at love, and how his appearance and approach to relationships do not endear him to others. The title itself, which translates to “Behave, you are old,” serves as a repeated refrain and a central piece of advice, blending irony with a straightforward message.



Symbolism of Portate bien que sos grande

The tango uses vivid imagery and slang to enhance its message. The term “ventosa,” likening Ruperto to a sucker or leech, underscores his clingy, undesirable traits. The mention of “fenómeno coloso,” or colossal phenomenon, sarcastically highlights his extraordinary but not admirable qualities. Through these metaphors, the lyrics paint a picture of a man unmistakable in public yet lacking genuine attraction or desirability, emphasizing the gap between how he perceives himself and how others see him.



Portate bien que sos grande in historic Context

Recorded in 1931, during the infamously vibrant yet tumultuous period in Argentina, “Portate bien que sos grande” not only reflects personal behaviors but also subtly critiques societal norms. During this era, Buenos Aires was a hub of cultural innovation and social dynamics, with tango music often commenting on everyday life and human characters. The song’s setting and references, such as the mention of Corrientes Avenue, a famous street in Buenos Aires known for its theaters and nightlife, places it firmly within the cultural and social heartbeat of the city.



Gerardo Matos Rodríguez

Gerardo Matos Rodríguez was a renowned Uruguayan composer and musician, best remembered for his classic tango “La Cumparsita.” His work has left a significant mark on the world of Tango.