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Soy un arlequín

Soy un arlequín is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discépolo and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1929. Carlos di Sarli has recorded Soy un arlequín as an instrumental Tango.
“Soy un arlequín” translates to “I am a harlequin” in English. This evocative title captures the essence of a character in vibrant disguise, dancing between joy and sorrow with each playful note or step. Just as the harlequin hides behind a mask, the music weaves between layers of emotions, revealing moments of whimsy and introspection.

Tango

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Enrique Santos Discépolo

Author

Enrique Santos Discépolo

Composer

1929/3/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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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.

Soy un arlequín recorded by other Orchestras

Soy un arlequín recorded by other Orchestras

1929/3/1 – Cuando bronca el temporal – Carlos di Sarli
1929/3/1 – Patadura – Carlos Gardel
1929/3/1 – A contramano – Carlos Gardel
1929/3/1 – A contramano (b) – Carlos Gardel
1929/3/1 – Alla en la rivera – Carlos Gardel
Soy un arlequin – 1929/3/1 – Carlos di Sarli – Instrumental
Soy un arlequin – 1929/1/1 – Juan D-Arienzo – Francisco Fiorentino
Soy un arlequin – 1945/9/11 – Alfredo De Angelis – Carlos Dante

Letra del Tango Soy un arlequín

Soy un arlequín,
un arlequín que canta y baila
para ocultar
su corazón lleno de pena.
Me clavó en la cruz
tu folletín de Magdalena
porque soñé
que era Jesús y te salvaba.
Me engañó tu voz,
tu llorar de arrepentida sin perdón
Eras mujer… ¡Pensé en mi madre
y me clavé!
Viví en tu amor una esperanza
la inútil ansia de tu salvación.
¡Perdonáme si fui bueno!
Si no sé más que sufrir.
Si he vivido entre las risas
por quererte redimir.
¡Cuánto dolor que hace reír!

English lyrics of the Tango "Soy un arlequín"

I am a harlequin,
a harlequin who sings and dances
to conceal
his heart filled with sorrow.
You nailed me to the cross
with your Magdalene pamphlet
because I dreamed
I was Jesus and I saved you.
Your voice deceived me,
your crying of unrepentant sorrow.
You were a woman… I thought of my mother
and I impaled myself!
I lived in your love a hope,
the futile yearning for your salvation.
Forgive me if I was good!
If I only know how to suffer.
If I have lived among the laughter
just to try and redeem you.
How much pain that makes one laugh!

Soy un arlequín by Enrique Santos Discépolo

Soy un arlequín is a Tango written and composed by Enrique Santos Discépolo.

Story behind the Tango Soy un arlequín

“Soy un arlequín” translates to “I am a harlequin” in English, revealing a poignant narrative of a performer who masks his sorrows with entertainment. The lyrics of the tango describe the harlequin’s internal struggle as he entertains to hide his heart filled with sorrow. The persona compares himself to a harlequin, traditionally a comic servant character in commedia dell’arte, known for his expressive and colorful attire, reflecting the conflict between his outward humor and inner pain.

Symbolism of Soy un arlequín

The song strongly utilizes the symbolism of Christianity and theatrical roles. The reference to being crucified “clavó en la cruz” symbolizes a profound personal sacrifice and suffering, while the “folletín de Magdalena” alludes to the persona likening his lover to Mary Magdalene—both of whom are misunderstood and fallen figures seeking redemption. The harlequin’s efforts in “trying to be Jesus” to save her illustrates his self-imposed martyrdom for love. The analogy to his mother when he thought of the woman, reinforces the deep-seated feelings of betrayal juxtaposed with innate love and respect akin to the sanctity one feels towards their mother.

Soy un arlequín in historic Context

Being written in 1929, “Soy un arlequín” was produced during an era marked by economic turmoil, notably the onset of the Great Depression. Argentina, being heavily affected, saw a surge in tango music which often mirrored the sentiments of the common people—disillusionment, sorrow, and escapism. The song’s heavy and melodramatic tone can mirror society’s disheartened state, using the figure of the harlequin to portray a man hiding his pain behind a facade of entertainment in times of distress.

Enrique Santos Discépolo

Enrique Santos Discépolo was one of Argentina’s most influential tango composers, known for infusing his works with profound emotional depth and social critique.