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.
Sigan tomando muchachos is a Tango written by Rodolfo Scafidi and composed by Antonio Bonavena.
The tango “Sigan tomando muchachos” delves into the emotional turbulence of a man returning to his roots after a prolonged and painful journey. The protagonist, Jacinto Peralta, invites his friends to keep drinking at his expense, hinting at a celebration tinged with a deep, personal sorrow. His repeated affirmation, “Esta noche pago yo” (Tonight, I’m paying), serves as his way of reclaiming a moment of control and generosity in the face of his inner turmoil related to a lost love. His journey metaphorically reflects his struggle with memories and heartache, showcasing a poignant intersection of personal defeat and the quest for communal solace through shared drinks.
Symbolism in “Sigan tomando muchachos” is rich and contemplative, primarily revolving around the act of drinking together. This symbolizes camaraderie and the attempt to temporarily drown out the sorrows of life. Peralta referring to his past lover as a “path of great pain” and a “kiss without spite,” uses the motifs of journey and intimacy to convey the profound and conflicting feelings of love lost and the bitterness that follows. His insistence on paying foreshadows his resignation and taking responsibility, not just for the drinks, but metaphorically for his failed romance and the ensuing despair.
“Sigan tomando muchachos” was recorded in 1947, a period marked by significant political and social changes in Argentina. Post-World War II, Argentina was navigating a complex economic landscape, and tango music often became a reflective medium for the common people’s challenges and emotional narratives. The tango, therefore, not only provided a form of escapism but also served as a communal expression of grief, love, loss, and resilience. Jacinto’s return and his melancholic engagement reflect a broader theme of searching for belonging and solace in a rapidly changing world.
Rodolfo Scafidi was an Argentine tango lyricist known for his deeply emotive and reflective compositions that often explored themes of love, loss, and nostalgia.