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.
Rey del tango is a Tango written by Roberto Lambertucci and composed by Enrique Campos.
The song “Rey del tango” portrays a nostalgic reflection on the life and fame of a dancer from the golden age of tango. It narrates the story of a man who regards himself as a relic of a bygone era, reminiscing about the times when he shone in dance halls and captivated many hearts with his elegance and dancing skills. The lyrics convey a deep sense of pride and a bittersweet acknowledgement of the passage of time, as he claims his undying title as the “king of tango,” a title unchallenged but perhaps forgotten, capturing the essence of a once-celebrated life in the vibrant Tango culture of Buenos Aires.
The title “Rey del tango,” which translates to “King of Tango” in English, symbolizes a pinnacle of artistic mastery and popularity within the cultural sphere of tango in Argentina. The use of phrases like “Yo soy…” repeated throughout the song emphasizes the personal identification and pride in this self-proclaimed title. Iconic imagery like the “sollozos de bandoneones” (sobs of bandoneons) symbolizes the deep, sometimes melancholic soul of tango music, which is characteristically echoed through this unique instrument. The reference to “farolito alumbrado a querosén” points towards a bygone era illuminated under the dim light of kerosene lamps, enhancing the historical and nostalgic essence of the lyrics.
“Rey del tango” was recorded in 1944, a period known as the golden age of tango, which roughly spanned from 1930 to the late 1950s in Argentina. This era was marked by the tango’s massive popularity in Buenos Aires, where it became intertwined with national identity. During this time, tango music and dance evolved into a sophisticated art form, performed in lavish tango halls and absorbed by many across social classes. The song reflects this peak of cultural richness, as the singer reminisces about his celebrated days, suggesting a deep pride intermingled with a quiet, lingering presence in the tango scene that had experienced monumental shifts by the mid-20th century.
Roberto Lambertucci was an influential lyricist in Argentine tango, known for capturing the spirit and complexities of life and culture in Buenos Aires through his works.