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.
Se prendió la colorada is a Tango written by Armando Ceminati and composed by Armando Ceminati.
“Se prendió la colorada” captures a story of romantic pursuit, stopping and starting in rhythm with traffic lights, a metaphor for the nuanced signals in a developing relationship. The lyrics portray the speaker’s journey, navigating the complexities of love’s signals, from green to yellow to red, similar to a traffic light’s functions. Starting with an expression of love ignited by the green light in a lover’s eyes, the narrative progresses to caution, symbolized by yellow, due to the lover’s startled reaction to closeness. Eventually, the story culminates with a red light – the lover’s father being watchful, halting the speaker’s advances. This reveals a playful yet poignant tale of love, caution, and respect within romantic intentions.
The tango employs the traffic light as a potent symbol to mirror the stages and signals of a love affair. The green light reflects acceptance and progress, yellow advises caution, and red signals a complete stop. This vivid symbolism extends to emotional readiness and boundaries in a relationship. The phrase “Se prendió la colorada” (the red light came on) epitomizes a stark halt, highlighting moments of restraint that require respect and understanding. Thus, the use of traffic light colors not only paints a vivid picture of the storyline but also infuses it with emotional depth about timing and boundaries in love.
Composed in 1964 in Argentina, “Se prendió la colorada” emerges from a vibrant period of Argentine tango history, where the genre enjoyed both national affection and global curiosity. The 1960s in Argentina were a time of significant social and cultural shifts, framing this tango as a narrative vessel that captures personal and everyday life experiences, which resonated with many during that era. The mention of specific, relatable scenarios, like dealing with a protective father, adds a layer of social commentary, reflecting the norms and familial structures prevalent in Argentine society at the time.
Armando Ceminati was a significant Argentine tango composer and lyricist, known for his contributions to the rich tapestry of tango music.