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.
Quién is a Tango written by Luis Lira and composed by Osvaldo Manzi.
The lyrics of “Quién” wander through the profound avenues of unfulfilled love and existential introspection. Luis Lira expresses a poignant contemplation of love’s elusive nature, questioning who the true recipient of one’s heart should be. The lyrics delve into the heartache of waiting for a love that either has not arrived or might never materialize, mirrored in lines such as “Por un beso que no llega / O una boca que no está,” which translates to the anguish of a kiss never received or a lover never present. This emotional exploration captures the universal struggle of seeking connection and the despair when it eludes us.
The tango uses potent symbolism and imagery to magnify the themes of love and yearning. For instance, “Desnuda el alma está en los ojos” or “The soul is bare in the eyes,” symbolizes the deep vulnerability one feels when engulfed by love or heartache, suggesting that our truest emotions are visible in our gaze. This line exemplifies how the eyes can convey profound inner truths, offering a glimpse into a soul’s yearning or despair. The recurring question, “Quién?” which translates to “Who?” in English, symbolizes the searching and uncertainty that often accompanies love. Each stanza’s haunting repetition of this query underscores the profundity of longing to find the one who will fulfill the heart’s desires.
Recorded in Argentina in 1958, “Quién” resonates with the post-World War II era’s emotional and social undercurrents. The 1950s were a time of significant change and evolution, where traditional values often clashed with modern aspirations and disillusionments. In this context, the tango’s introspective and somewhat melancholic tone reflects broader societal reflections on past hardships and hopes for future fulfillment. This era also saw a resurgence of cultural expressions like tango that acted as outlets for public emotion and nostalgia, framing “Quién” not just as a personal narrative but also a cultural statement.
Luis Lira was a notable lyricist in the Argentine tango scene, known for his emotive and introspective themes.