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.
Soledad la de Barracas is a Tango written by Carlos Bahr and composed by Roberto Garza.
The lyrics of “Soledad la de Barracas” tell a tale of reflection and nostalgia intertwined with love and loneliness. The speaker begins by acknowledging his humble beginnings and declares an unusual animated state due to a few drinks. This inebriation triggers memories, particularly of a woman from Barracas named Soledad, whose name literally translates to “loneliness” in English, adding a poignant touch to her character and the emotions she evokes.
The symbolism in this Tango revolves mainly around the central figure, Soledad, who not only represents a lost love but also embodies the actual feelings her name suggests. The line “Soledad, la de Barracas, que me trajo soledad” not only mentions her by name but also states how she brought solitude, playing beautifully on words and meanings. The frequent mention of alcohol could symbolize both an escape from and a way to drown in his feelings of loneliness and nostalgia.
Written in 1945 post-World War II, a period marked by significant political and social changes globally and in Argentina. The residents of Buenos Aires, particularly in neighborhoods like Barracas, were experiencing the cultural shifts that influenced Tango music, often poignant with themes of loss, longing, and the harsh realities of life. This context enriches the narrative, suggesting that Vallejo’s reflection on his past and his mention of “better days” could also mirror the societal yearning for pre-war normalcy and prosperity.
Carlos Bahr was a notable Argentine tango lyricist, known for his profound and evocative lyrics that often explored themes of love, nostalgia, and societal observations.