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.
Tabaco is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Armando Pontier.
“Tabaco” emerges as a poignant reflection of regret and sorrow, narrating the distress of a speaker who is grappling with the consequences of his past actions. The lyrics express a deep sense of remorse and emotional turmoil, opening with a voice from the shadows reminding the speaker of past grievances. This voice, possibly a metaphor for memory or conscience, shakes the protagonist’s present, filled with guilt and self-reproach. The repetitive mention of causing hurt underscores a central theme of penitence.
The tango uses strong symbolic elements to deepen the narrative. The title itself, “Tabaco,” metaphorically represents a lingering addiction, possibly to past memories or a lost love, which haunts the speaker. The smoke forming the figure of a loved one illustrates the transient yet persistent nature of memory and regret, signifying how past actions leave an indelible imprint on the present. This imagery intensifies the sensory experiences, linking the smell and sight of tobacco smoke to the palpable absence of a beloved.
Key phrases such as “tu voz que llora y me nombra” and “mientras fumo forma el humo tu figura” profoundly illustrate the speaker’s inner conflict between the present perception and the haunting past. These phrases evoke a vivid imagery of memory and remorse materializing—echoing how the past continues to shape and torment the person’s current existence.
Released in 1944, during a period of profound social and cultural transformations in Argentina, “Tabaco” reflects the broader sentiments of melancholy and introspection common in tango lyrics of the era. The period was marked by political upheaval and societal changes, elements that often found their ways into the themes of tango as expressions of individual and collective angst. The year it was recorded could suggest a reflection of personal stories against a backdrop of a changing society, where themes of loss, longing, and recovery resonated deeply with the audience.
José María Contursi was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his deeply emotional and often melancholic tangos.