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Prisionero

Prisionero is a Tango written by Anselmo Aieta and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1929. The Tango Prisionero is written by Anselmo Aieta, Roberto Firpo has recorded Prisionero with the singer Teófilo Ibáñez.
“Prisionero,” meaning “Prisoner” in English, captures the soul’s entanglement within the melancholic chords of life’s dance. This evocative piece, whether sung or as an instrumental tango, reveals how the heart, like a captive, yearns for freedom yet finds beauty in its chains. In its mournful notes, it sings of yearning, love, and the bittersweet longing for release.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Teófilo Ibáñez

Singer

Francisco García Jiménez

Author

Anselmo Aieta

Composer

1929/9/12

Date

Teófilo Ibáñez
Teófilo Ibáñez
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

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Prisionero recorded by other Orchestras

Prisionero recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Prisionero

This is the translation of the Tango “Prisionero” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Prisionero” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Prisionero

Salgan, amigos, de su engaño,

si piensan, como antaño,

llevarme de farra.

Sigan de largo por mi puerta,

que ya no estoy alerta

ni espero a la barra.

Algo más lindo que la calle,

que el trago y que los bailes

de adentro me agarra.

Dos manitas son,

en el mismo umbral,

las que pueden más que yo.



Porque ahora tengo un pibe

que es mi vida y mi ilusión,

que apacigua con ternura

tanta locura.

A mi casa trajo el cielo,

ángel de mi corazón,

y me tiene prisionero,

¡tan a gusto, compañeros

que me quedo en la prisión!



Sigan, mis viejos camaradas,

sembrando carcajadas

camino adelante.

Rían, conozco esa alegría

que pone, al otro día,

más triste que antes.

Déjenme al borde de esta cuna

cuidando mi fortuna

con ojos amantes.

Yo me quedo aquí,

nada iré a buscar,

más no puedo pedir.

English lyrics of the Tango "Prisionero"

Leave, friends, be not deceived,

if you think, as in days past,

to take me out partying.

Walk on past my door,

for I’m no longer on guard

nor waiting at the bar.

Something lovelier than the streets,

than the drink and the dances

has taken hold of me inside.

Just two little hands,

in the same doorway,

have more power over me than I do.

Because now I have a child

who is my life and my hope,

who soothes with tenderness

all my madness.

He brought heaven to my home,

angel of my heart,

and he has me prisoner,

so comfortably, friends,

that I prefer to stay in this prison!

Go on, my old comrades,

spreading laughter

into the road ahead.

Laugh, I know that joy

which, the next day,

makes one sadder than before.

Leave me at the edge of this crib

guarding my fortune

with loving eyes.

I’ll stay right here,

I’ll seek nothing more,

there’s nothing more I could ask for.

Prisionero by Francisco García Jiménez

Prisionero is a Tango written by Francisco García Jiménez and composed by Anselmo Aieta.



Story behind the Tango Prisionero

“Prisionero” paints a heartfelt story of a man whose life has been transformed by the birth of his child. The lyrics unfold a confessional where the persona, once a social butterfly indulging in nightly revelries, now finds solace and contentment in domestic life. He describes how his friends should proceed without him on their nocturnal escapades, as he is no longer interested in the pleasures that once enticed him, such as drinking and dancing. Instead, he finds greater joy in the simple acts of spending time at home, particularly caring for his child, who is described as the source of his newfound happiness and inner peace.



Symbolism of Prisionero

The recurring theme of imprisonment in “Prisionero” serves as a poignant metaphor contrasting his past and present life. Traditionally, imprisonment evokes negative feelings; however, in this context, it symbolizes a joyous and willing commitment. Important phrases like “prisionero, ¡tan a gusto, compañeros que me quedo en la prisión!” translate to “prisoner, so comfortable, companions that I stay in prison!” highlighting how the speaker cherishes his “captivity” as a father and partner over his previous freedoms. His child is described as the “ángel de mi corazón” (angel of my heart), further emphasizing the purity and profound impact of this new love.



Prisionero in Historic Context

“Prisionero” was written in 1929, a pivotal period in Argentine history marked by social and political changes. The late 1920s in Argentina were a time of significant urbanization which reflected in the culture, particularly in tango which often captured the sentiments of the urban lower classes and the bohemians. The tango’s shift from a story of nightlife and hedonism to one of domestic affection mirrors perhaps a broader societal longing for stability and personal fulfillment beyond transient pleasures, thus resonating deeply with its audience during a time of uncertainty.



Francisco García Jiménez

Francisco García Jiménez was a renowned Argentine lyricist and journalist known for his contributions to the tango genre. His works often delve into themes of love, society, and personal transformation.