Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Sangre maleva

Sangre maleva is a Tango written by Dante Tortonese and recorded by Roberto Firpo in 1929. Roberto Firpo has recorded Sangre maleva as an instrumental Tango.
“Sangre Maleva,” which translates to “Roguish Blood,” captures the essence of untamed spirit coursing through the veins of a vibrant tango. It evokes the fierce passion and rebellious pulse that define the dance floor, where each step seems to challenge the constraints of society. In its melody, there lies an echo of daring hearts and the untold stories of daring lives.

Tango

Style

Roberto Firpo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Pedro Platas

Author

Dante Tortonese

Composer

1929/4/14

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Roberto Firpo
Roberto Firpo

Discover Other Orchestras

José Garcia – Prestame tu pañuelo – 1942/6/17
José Garcia – Lloran las campanas – 1944/6/1
José Garcia – Zorro plateao – 1943/1/13
José Garcia – No creas – 1943/6/22
José Garcia – Adiós adiós corazón – 1942/11/4
Carlos Gardel – El moro – 1917/1/1
Carlos Gardel – Insomnio – 1930/5/20
Carlos Gardel – Corazoncito (Ñafa) – 1928/8/2
Carlos Gardel – Yira yira – 1930/10/16
Carlos Gardel – Silencio – 1933/3/27
Astor Piazzolla – Chiqué – 1950/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Marrón y azul – 1955/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – La chiflada – 1945/7/30
Astor Piazzolla – Lumière 4
L’évasion – 1976/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Marrón y azul – 1956/8/9
Julio De Caro – Mala jugada – 1926/10/6
Julio De Caro – Derecho viejo – 1953/8/5
Julio De Caro – Sueño azul – 1951/11/16
Julio De Caro – Andá con tus amigos – 1929/1/1
Julio De Caro – Flores negras – 1942/1/1

Recommended

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.

Sangre maleva recorded by other Orchestras

Sangre maleva recorded by other Orchestras

1929/4/15 – Despojos – Orquesta Tipica Victor
1929/4/15 – Missouri – Orquesta Tipica Victor
1929/4/18 – Ofrenda – Roberto Firpo
1929/4/7 – Salud percantinas (Salu percantinas!) – Roberto Firpo
1929/4/7 – Ingratas – Roberto Firpo
Sangre maleva – 1955/10/4 – Alfredo De Angelis – Oscar Larroca
Sangre maleva – 1929/4/14 – Roberto Firpo – Instrumental
Sangre maleva – 1929/4/4 – Roberto Firpo – Instrumental

Letra del Tango Sangre maleva

Por Boca, Avellaneda, Barracas, Puente Alsina,

Belgrano, Mataderos y en todo el arrabal

paseó sus gallardías el zurdo Cruz Medina,

que fuera un buen amigo, sin grupo servicial.



Templado en el suburbio, fue taita entre matones,

vivió tejiendo sueños allá en el callejón,

en donde por las noches rondaban los botones

y en el café del barrio gemía el bandoneón.



Era un malevo sin trampas, sin padrinos y sin gloria;

sin miga de tanta historia, pero buen mozo y de acción.

Caseros lo vio jugarse sin aflojar ni un chiquito,

y en la nueve queda inscripto su coraje de varón.



Pero una noche oscura, guapeó en Avellaneda,

y en una rinconada del trágico arrabal

sonaron tres balazos y sobre la vereda

caía un hombre herido blandiendo su puñal.



Se oyeron los auxilios, corrió la policía,

y en un charcal de sangre, sonriendo al taita halló,

que herido mortalmente, rebelde en su agonía,

con voz de macho entero, sin pestañear habló;

English lyrics of the Tango "Sangre maleva"

In Boca, Avellaneda, Barracas, Puente Alsina,
Belgrano, Mataderos, and every slum around,
stalked the gallant feats of left-handed Cruz Medina,
a good friend he was, without a subservient crowd.

Tempered in the suburb, a top dog among toughs,
lived weaving dreams back in the alleyway,
where at night the cops would prowl
and in the local café, the bandoneon would moan.

He was a rogue without tricks, no godfathers, no glory;
without a crumb of such tales, but handsome and bold.
Caseros saw him gamble without ever flinching,
and in the nine, his manly courage remains inscribed.

But one dark night, he turned bold in Avellaneda,
and in a corner of the tragic slum,
three gunshots rang out and on the sidewalk
a wounded man fell, wielding his dagger.

Help was heard, the police rushed,
and in a pool of blood, smiling they found the boss,
mortally wounded, defiant in his agony,
with the voice of a whole man, unblinking, he spoke;

Sangre maleva by Pedro Platas

Sangre maleva is a Tango written by Pedro Platas and composed by Dante Tortonese.



Story behind the Tango Sangre maleva

“Sangre maleva” translates to “Rogue Blood” in English, and it tells the dramatic story of Cruz Medina, a hero who roamed places from Boca to Avellaneda and other suburbs, embodying the essence of the fearless and loyal. Respected among tough characters, he had dreams woven deep in the alleys of his neighborhood. The song describes Cruz’s life, his courageous, yet tragic end and the heavy impact he left in his world.



Symbolism of Sangre maleva

The symbolism in “Sangre maleva” is rich and tells of a genuine and rugged manhood through the character of Cruz Medina. The use of specific places like Boca, Avellaneda, and Barracas serves not just to paint a vivid geographical portrait, but also symbolizes the raw, authentic environments that breed such malevos—or street-wise men. The lone puñal (dagger) that he wields even as he falls, speaks to his bravery and the traditional portrayal of male strength. His refusal to blink or show pain in his last moments mirrors a stoic acceptance and pride in his chosen way of life.



Sangre maleva in Historic Context

The year 1929 was marked by significant historical events, setting a poignant backdrop for “Sangre maleva.” This period in Argentina was one of political and social unrest. Such a setting enhances the narrative of Cruz Medina, showing how his life and struggles are mirrored in the larger turbulence of Argentine society. This context turns the tango not merely into a story of personal bravado but a reflection of the period’s hardships and the resilience of those embattled by them.



Pedro Platas

Pedro Platas is known for his impactful contributions to the genre of Tango, capturing deep social and emotional narratives through his lyrics.