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Secreto

Secreto is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discepolo and recorded by Francisco Rotundo in 1953. The Tango Secreto is written by Enrique Santos Discepolo, Francisco Rotundo has recorded Secreto with the singer Julio Sosa.
“Secreto,” translated into English as “Secret,” whispers its enigmatic tale through every note. Its melodies dance like shadows, revealing fragments of hidden truths while keeping their deepest mysteries veiled. In this captivating tango, the music becomes a confidant, sharing intimate whispers that linger in the listener’s soul, leaving behind a haunting elegance that only secrets can possess.

Tango

Style

Francisco Rotundo

Orchestra

Julio Sosa

Singer

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Author

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Composer

1953/9/17

Date

Julio Sosa
Julio Sosa
Francisco Rotundo
Francisco Rotundo

Discover Other Orchestras

Rodolfo Biagi – Cicatrices – 1940/3/27
Rodolfo Biagi – Si la llegaran a ver – 1943/12/7
Rodolfo Biagi – Metido (Enamorado) – 1942/5/22
Rodolfo Biagi – Pinta orillera – 1940/6/28
Rodolfo Biagi – Mis amores de ayer – 1945/9/6
Osvaldo Pugliese – El andariego – 1972/6/26
Osvaldo Pugliese – Cómo se pianta la vida – 1981/7/8
Osvaldo Pugliese – No me pregunten por qué – 1962/4/1
Osvaldo Pugliese – Bandoneón arrabalero – 1967/9/1
Osvaldo Pugliese – Perla fina – 1957/12/18
Astor Piazzolla – Lo que vendrá – 1957/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Como abrazado a un rencor – 1947/1/15
Astor Piazzolla – Mi tentación – 1955/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Michelangelo ’70 – 1986/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Contrastes – 1955/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Scherzo – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Caravana – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – El bosque mágico – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – En bateau – 1970/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – La sombra de tu sonrisa (The shadow of your smile) – 1971/1/1

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.

Secreto recorded by other Orchestras

Secreto recorded by other Orchestras

1953/9/17 – Melenita de oro – Francisco Rotundo
1953/9/18 – El purrete – Juan D-Arienzo
1953/9/18 – Peringundin – Juan D-Arienzo
1953/9/18 – El curda – Juan D-Arienzo
1953/9/18 – Vas muerto en la parada – Juan D-Arienzo
Secreto – 1953/9/17 – Francisco Rotundo – Julio Sosa
Secreto – 1932/10/5 – Orquesta Tipica Victor – Luis Diaz

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Secreto

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

Letra del Tango Secreto

Quien sos, que no puedo salvarme

muñeca maldita, castigo de Dios…

Ventarrón que desgaja en su furia un ayer

de ternuras, de hogar y de fe…

Por vos se ha cambiado mi vida

-sagrada y sencilla como una oración-

en un bárbaro horror de problemas

que atora mis venas y enturbia mi honor.



No puedo ser más vil

ni puedo ser mejor,

vencido por tu hechizo

que trastorna mi deber…

Por vos a mi mujer

la vida he destrozao

y es pan de mis dos hijos

todo el lujo que te he dao.

No pudo reaccionar

ni puedo comprender,

perdido en la tormenta

de tu voz que me embrujó…

La seda de tu piel que me estremece

y al latir florece, con mi perdición…



Resuelto a borrar con un tiro

su sombra maldita que ya es obsesión,

he buscao en mi noche un lugar pa morir,

pero el arma se afloja en traición…

No sé si merezco este oprobio feroz,

pero en cambio he legado a saber

que es mentira que yo no me mato

pensando en mis hijos…no, lo hago por vos…

English lyrics of the Tango "Secreto"

Who are you, that I cannot save myself,
cursed doll, punishment from God…
A storm that in its fury tears apart a past
of tenderness, of home, and of faith…

Because of you my life has changed
—sacred and simple like a prayer—
into a barbaric nightmare of problems
that choke my veins and cloud my honor.

I can be no more vile
nor can I be better,
defeated by your spell
that disturbs my duty…
For you, I have wrecked my wife’s life
and the luxury I’ve given you
is bread taken from my children.
I could not react,
nor can I understand,
lost in the storm
of your voice that bewitched me…
The silk of your skin that shivers me
and blossoms with each beat, with my doom…

Resolved to erase with a shot
its cursed shadow that is now obsession,
I’ve searched in my night for a place to die,
but the weapon weakens in betrayal…
I do not know if I deserve this fierce disgrace,
but on the other hand, I’ve come to know
it’s a lie that I do not kill myself
thinking of my children…no, I do it for you…

Secreto by Enrique Santos Discepolo

Secreto is a Tango written and composed by Enrique Santos Discepolo.



Story behind the Tango Secreto

The lyrics of “Secreto” portray a narrative of intense personal conflict and suffering, reflecting themes of infidelity, self-destruction, and the harsh consequences of one’s actions. The speaker in the song describes how his life has been drastically transformed from a sacred and simple existence into a horrifying reality filled with issues that compromise his values and honor. Caught in the spell of a malicious figure—referred to as a “demon doll” and “punishment from God”—he is tormented between his obligations and desires, showing the dual nature of human vulnerability and culpability.



Symbolism of Secreto

The symbolism in “Secreto” is rich, with vivid imagery used to express internal turmoil and moral conflict. Phrases like “storm that tears off a yesterday of tenderness, home, and faith” evoke the destructive impact of the speaker’s decisions on his past values and serene life. The recurrent mention of elements like “storm,” “demon doll,” and “obsession” heightens the sense of an ongoing, uncontrollable disaster. The choice not to end his life due to thoughts of his children, but ultimately confessing it is for her, underscores the tragic ironies and complex motivations at play.



Secreto in Historic Context

“Secreto” was recorded in Argentina in 1953, a period that was rife with political and social transitions. This was a time when tango music often explored themes of despair, nostalgia, and personal agony, mirroring the broader societal uncertainties and the disruption of traditional values and structures. Discepolo, known for his critical and introspective lyrics, uses “Secreto” to delve into the personal implications of such broader changes, reflecting perhaps, the personal costs of societal dilemmas.



Enrique Santos Discepolo

Enrique Santos Discepolo was a prominent Argentine tango musician, playwright, and composer known for his profound and poignant contributions to the genre.