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Quién te iguala

Quién te iguala is a Tango written by Alejandro Michetti and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1953. Carlos di Sarli has recorded Quién te iguala as an instrumental Tango.
“Quién te iguala,” which translates to “Who Equals You,” evokes a sense of unparalleled beauty and elegance. In the swirling embrace of the tango, it speaks to the inimitable allure of a captivating presence, unmatched and unrivaled. Each note weaves a tapestry of admiration, celebrating the singular spirit that stands peerless in its grace.

Tango

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Bohigas

Author

Alejandro Michetti

Composer

1953/4/21

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Quién te iguala recorded by other Orchestras

Quién te iguala recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Quién te iguala

Salón “La Paternal”
De milonga corrida está el bailongo,
Y del fueye al rezongo
El malevaje se luce allí.
La “parda” Blanca Flor
Prendida del ojal del “chino” Ayerza,
La bailan solos, mientras la merza
Formando rueda, les canta así:

¡Metele!, ¡Chino!, ¡Dale!…
Que para el tango
No hay quién te iguale.
Seguile, “parda”, el giro,
Que hasta Retiro
No para el tren…
Fajale una “sentada”,
A tu “pardita”
Que está chalada.
Y en su boquita ´e rosa,
Una ventosa
Clavale bien…

El “ñato” Pantaleón
Que estaba, de la “parda”, enamorado,
Jaileife y afeitado
Cayó al bailongo con loco fin.
Peló como una luz
De rápido, el puñal,
Y a la sordina
Hubo desmayos,
Y por la mina,
Se armó una bronca
De San Quintín.

El encuentro fatal
Los cuchillos trenzó,
Mas cayó el oficial
Y a los dos encanó.
La percanta desleal
Al final se arregló,
Con el tano Pascual
Y al Brasil se piantó.

English lyrics of the Tango "Quién te iguala"

“La Paternal” Hall
A lively milonga fills the dance hall,
And to the bandoneon’s lament
The ruffians shine there.
The dark-skinned Blanca Flor
Hanging on “Chino” Ayerza’s lapel,
They dance alone, while the crowd,
Forming a circle, sings to them like this:

“Go for it!, Chino! Come on!…
For tango,
There’s no one to match you.
Follow him, dark-skinned girl, with the step,
Because until Retiro,
The train won’t stop…
Give her a “dip”,
To your dark-skinned girl
Who’s infatuated.
And on her rosy mouth,
A kiss
Plant it well…

The “snub-nosed” Pantaleón
Who was in love with the dark-skinned girl,
Dressed to the nines and clean-shaven
He came to the dance hall with a crazy aim.
He drew, as fast as light,
A knife
And stealthily
There were fainting spells,
And over the girl,
A big brawl broke out.

The fatal encounter
Entwined the knives,
But the officer fell
And arrested them both.
The unfaithful woman,
In the end made a deal,
With the Italian Pascual
And fled to Brazil.

Quién te iguala by

Quién te iguala is a Tango written by and composed by Alejandro Michetti.

Story behind the Tango Quién te iguala

The tango “Quién te iguala” weaves a visceral story through its vibrant depictions of the tango scene and unfortunate love entanglements. Set in “Salón La Paternal,” a dance venue in Buenos Aires, the narrative highlights a night filled with rhythmic music and intense emotions. The characters are deeply embedded in the tango culture, each bringing a distinct flavor to the story. The “parda” Blanca Flor and the “chino” Ayerza shine in the spotlight while other guests encourage their dance. The narrative then shifts dramatically with the entrance of “ñato” Pantaleón, who, driven by jealousy, causes chaos by brandishing a knife, spiraling into a brawl of tragic proportions.

Symbolism of Quién te iguala

The lyrics use potent symbolism to convey the emotions and themes of the story. The dance itself is emblematic of seduction, rivalry, and social vibrancy. The “parda” Blanca Flor symbolizes unattainable beauty and femme fatale allure, which captivates and incites rivalry among men. The “chino” Ayerza is a symbol of skill and confidence, unmatched on the dance floor. Pantaleón’s desperate actions symbolize the destructive power of unrequited love and jealousy. The tango’s encouragements, expressed through phrases like “¡Metele!, ¡Chino!, ¡Dale!” serve as metaphors for urging life forward with passion and vigor, yet heed the warning of impulsive actions that may lead to downfall.

Quién te iguala in historic Context

The emergence of “Quién te iguala” in 1953 reflects a time in Buenos Aires’ post-war society where tango was at a cultural zenith, representing not just music, but a lifestyle. Buenos Aires, where class distinctions and social tensions ran high, shaped the narratives of tango. The phrase “Hasta Retiro no para el tren” could symbolize the journey and societal climb many longed for, as Retiro is a major train station in Buenos Aires, often the starting point for those seeking new opportunities. The song captures the cultural vibrancy of Buenos Aires during this period, as well as the underlying tensions present within its society.

The tango’s lyricist remains unnamed, lending an air of mystery to the work. Alejandro Michetti, however, composed the piece, infusing it with the melodic richness characteristic of 1950s Argentine tango.