Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Se va la vida

Se va la vida is a Tango written by Edgardo Donato and recorded by Edgardo Donato in 1950. The Tango Se va la vida is written by Edgardo Donato, Edgardo Donato has recorded Se va la vida with the singer Carlos Almada.
“Se va la vida” translates to “Life goes away” in English. This piece, like the gentle decay of autumn leaves, reflects the ephemeral nature of existence—each note a fleeting moment, each pause a whispered farewell. Through its haunting melody, it encapsulates the bittersweet passage of time, reminding us to cherish the present before it slips away.

Tango

Style

Edgardo Donato

Orchestra

Carlos Almada

Singer

María Luisa Carnelli

Author

Edgardo Donato

Composer

1950/10/16

Date

Carlos Almada
Carlos Almada
Edgardo Donato
Edgardo Donato

Discover Other Orchestras

Julio De Caro – Esta noche de luna – 1951/7/16
Julio De Caro – Misa maleva – 1930/1/1
Julio De Caro – Sorpresa de novia – 1943/10/26
Julio De Caro – Narciso negro – 1930/1/1
Julio De Caro – Moulin rouge – 1953/4/10
Astor Piazzolla – Ojos tristes (Ojos muertos) – 1947/1/2
Astor Piazzolla – Chiclana – 1947/12/19
Astor Piazzolla – Concierto para quinteto – 1987/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – El entrerriano – 1957/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Quejas de bandoneón – 1947/8/21
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Yo no sé por qué te quiero – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Milonguita (Esthercita) – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Rosicler – 1959/9/14
José De Alto (Dir. José Basso) – Nunca tuvo novio – 1959/9/14
Francisco Canaro – Pero hay una melena – 1924/1/1
Francisco Canaro – Vera Cruz – 1925/1/1
Francisco Canaro – Quién dijo miedo (Bar Exposición) – 1926/1/1
Francisco Canaro – La tablada – 1920/1/1
Francisco Canaro – No te quiero más – 1925/1/1

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.

Se va la vida recorded by other Orchestras

Se va la vida recorded by other Orchestras

1950/10/13 – Por que no me besas – Edgardo Donato
1950/10/9 – Boedo – Julio De Caro
1950/10/24 – Cobardia – Osvaldo Pugliese
1950/10/24 – El tobiano – Osvaldo Pugliese
1950/10/25 – Mi viejo reloj – Osvaldo Fresedo
Se va la vida – 1936/10/7 – Edgardo Donato – Horacio Lagos
Se va la vida – 1950/10/16 – Edgardo Donato – Carlos Almada
Se va la vida – 1961/11/1 – Edgardo Donato – Andres Galarce
Se va la vida – 1959/4/6 – Alfredo De Angelis – Juan Carlos Godoy

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Se va la vida

This is the translation of the Tango “Se va la vida” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Se va la vida” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Se va la vida

Se va la vida…
se va y no vuelve.
Escuchá este consejo;
si un bacán te promete acomodar,
entrá derecho viejo.
Se va, pebeta,
quién la detiene
si ni Dios la sujeta,
lo mejor es gozarla y largar
las penas a rodar.

Yo quiero,
muchacha,
que al fin mostrés la hilacha
y al mishio
recuerdo
le des un golpe de hacha.
Decí, pa qué queres
llorar un amor
y morir, tal vez,
de desesperanza.
No rogués la flor
de un sueño infeliz
porque, a lo mejor,
la suerte te alcanza
si te decidís.

Se va la vida…
se va y no vuelve,
escuchá este consejo;
si un bacán te promete acomodar,
entrá derecho viejo.
Pasan los días,
pasan los años,
es fugaz la alegría,
no pensés en dolor ni en virtud,
viví tu juventud.

English lyrics of the Tango "Se va la vida"

Life is slipping away…
it goes and doesn’t return.
Listen to this advice;
if a big shot promises to set you up,
go in straight, old man.
It’s leaving, young girl,
who can stop it
when not even God can hold it,
the best thing is to enjoy it and let
the sorrows roll away.

I want,
young woman,
for you finally to show your true colors
and to the miserable
memory,
give it a hatchet blow.
Tell me, why would you want
to cry over a love
and perhaps die,
of despair.
Don’t beg for the flower
of an unhappy dream
because, perhaps,
luck will find you
if you decide to go for it.

Life is slipping away…
it goes and doesn’t return,
listen to this advice;
if a big shot promises to set you up,
go in straight, old man.
Days pass,
years pass,
joy is fleeting,
don’t think of pain or virtue,
live your youth.

Se va la vida by María Luisa Carnelli

Se va la vida is a Tango written by María Luisa Carnelli and composed by Edgardo Donato.



Story behind the Tango “Se va la vida”

The lyrics of “Se va la vida,” translated as “Life goes by,” reflect a deep existential and somewhat melancholic reflection on the fleeting nature of life. The narrator advises someone to live fully and pragmatically, without holding onto illusions of grand promises or false hopes. It’s a call to embrace life’s moments without getting bogged down by its inevitable sorrows. The repeated refrain “Se va la vida… se va y no vuelve” which means “Life goes by… it goes and does not return” reinforces the urgency to live in the present.



Symbolism of “Se va la vida”

The tango employs several powerful symbols and language choices to enhance its message. The mentions of “si un bacán te promete acomodar, entrá derecho viejo,” translate to “if a rich man promises to settle you, go straight, old man.” This represents the seduction of false promises and the importance of adhering to a path of authenticity. The advice to “largar las penas a rodar” or “let the sorrows roll away” uses vivid imagery to suggest actively casting aside one’s troubles. The overarching symbolism revolves around the transient nature of life and the importance of seizing happiness where one can find it.



Se va la vida in historical context

“Se va la vida” was recorded in the mid-20th century, a period marked by significant social and political changes in Argentina. The timing speaks to an era where traditional values and contemporary societal pressures collided. This backdrop might have influenced its themes of disillusionment with promises unfulfilled, urging an embrace of the present to avoid the regrets of missed opportunities. It reflects a general sentiment of seizing life amid the uncertainties post World War II, serving as both advice and consolation to a populace confronted with rapid changes and unpredictability.



María Luisa Carnelli

María Luisa Carnelli was a notable Argentine poet and lyricist, particularly recognized for her contributions to the tango genre.