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Sombras de olvido

Sombras de olvido is a Tango written by and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1969. The Tango Sombras de olvido is written by , Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Sombras de olvido with the singer Osvaldo Ramos.
“Sombras de olvido,” which translates to “Shadows of Forgetfulness” in English, captures the bittersweet dance of memories and loss. The music weaves through the heart’s hidden corners, where forgotten dreams linger like shadows, casting a gentle yet haunting melancholy. Each note whispers tales of love and longing, echoing the eternal struggle between remembrance and oblivion.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Osvaldo Ramos

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Composer

1969/8/12

Date

Osvaldo Ramos
Osvaldo Ramos
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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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.

1969/8/12 – Che Buenos Aires – Anibal Troilo
1969/8/12 – La trilla – Anibal Troilo
1969/8/12 – D-Arienzo y palito – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/12 – Solo tuya – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/12 – Gotas de veneno – Juan D-Arienzo

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Sombras de olvido

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

Letra del Tango Sombras de olvido

Fue el más audaz, el último malevo

El que imperó al norte, El Africano,

Varón de ley, que fue como un hermano

Su corazón de guapo y de porteño.

Mozo de cara bronceada

Y de lenguaje sencillo,

Frente al rival, su cuchillo

Supo ventajas mostrar.



En el silencio de las noches de aquel barrio

Cuando la luna por los techos se paseaba,

Con su tristeza caminaba El Africano

Como una sombra que se esfumaba.

Y en el bullicio de los bailes esquineros

Donde el coraje era siempre respetado,

Ningún varón se le animaba a un entrevero

Por que era temple de alma, vida y corazón



Recitado:

Altivo y valiente

Cayó vencido peleando de frente

Con gran valor.

Y una vez más

Confiado en su entereza

Fríamente lo mataron a traición.



Aquella noche el arrabal lloró su pena

Cayó aquel taura con valor y con coraje,

Y en el silencio de la noche, el malevaje

Por vez primera, oyó esta queja:

“Me voy batido por cobarde puñalada

En forma ruin, tan sólo pude ser vencido”,

Cerró los ojos y con su último suspiro

Su débil voz entre las sombras se apagó.

English lyrics of the Tango "Sombras de olvido"

He was the boldest, the last tough guy

The one who ruled the north, The African,

A man of honor, who was like a brother

With a brave heart and a native’s charm.

A young man with tanned face

And plain speech,

In the face of a rival, his knife

Knew how to show its advantage.

In the quiet of the nights of that neighborhood

When the moon strolled over the rooftops,

With his sadness walked The African

Like a shadow fading away.

And in the noise of the corner dances

Where courage was always respected,

No man dared to confront him

For he was made of soul, life, and heart.

Recited:

Proud and brave

He fell defeated, fighting face to face

With great courage.

And once more

Trusting in his integrity

He was coldly killed by betrayal.

That night the suburb mourned its grief

That valorous man fell with bravery and courage,

And in the silence of the night, the tough crowd

For the first time, heard this lament:

“I go down defeated by a cowardly stab

In a vile way, I could only be defeated”,

He closed his eyes and with his last breath

His weak voice faded into the shadows.

Sombras de olvido by Francisco Lío

Sombras de olvido is a Tango written by Francisco Lío and composed by .



Story behind the Tango Sombras de olvido

The lyrics of “Sombras de olvido” narrate the life and demise of a mythical figure known as El Africano, celebrated in his realm yet vulnerable to betrayal. This character, noted for his bravery and straightforward personality, dominates the Northern territory with respect as if he were a brother to others in his community. The setting revolving around the silent nights and the bustling dances highlights the dual aspects of life in the Argentine barrios, where loyalty is paramount and betrayal is the ultimate sin. The song ends with the tragic demise of El Africano, mourned by his community and leaving a legacy of valor tainted by treachery.



Symbolism of Sombras de olvido

The phrase “Sombras de olvido” translates to “Shadows of Oblivion” in English, suggesting themes of memory and forgetting, hovering around the legacy of the forgotten hero, El Africano. His life, although marked by courage and respect, fades into the shadows cast by his tragic death. Shadows here might represent the overlooked or marginalized parts of history and memory—those stories that are eclipsed by the more dominant narratives or simply forgotten with time. The knife fighting mentioned and the treacherous defeat stand as strong symbols of personal and moral conflict, posing questions about the nature of heroism and integrity.



Sombras de olvido in historic Context

The year 1969 was a period of significant cultural and political upheaval in Argentina, leading to a rise in the valuation of national identity and nostalgia for a romanticized past. In this context, “Sombras de olvido” can be seen as a reflection on the Argentinian cultural identity, stressing the valorized qualities of bravery and loyalty in the face of adversity, traits idealized in the national character. Furthermore, the mention of ‘malevo’ (a term for a street tough or outlaw in the Rio de la Plata region) ties into a nostalgic remembrance of the local outlaw culture, juxtaposing the reality of modern societal changes.



Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío was an influential figure in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his poignant and reflective lyrics.