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.
Tango mio is a Tango written by Emilio Fresedo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.
The lyrics of “Tango mio” tell a poignant story of longing and nostalgia that is central to the tango tradition. The song reflects the emotions of someone far from home, evoking memories of loved ones and familiar streets. The recurring mention of ‘Corrientes’—a prominent avenue in Buenos Aires known for its theaters, nightlife, and tango culture—anchors the song in a specific locale that many listeners would recognize and hold dear. The singer’s connection to his roots and the sentiment of missing home are palpable, making the tango not just a dance or a song, but a medium of personal expression and cultural identity.
“Tango mio” uses the tango itself as a powerful symbol of Argentinian culture. The dance is personified and depicted as an intimate companion sharing in the singer’s emotional journey, being referred to as part of the singer’s homeland (‘es pedazo de mi tierra tu canción’ or ‘your song is a piece of my land’). The lyrics intertwine personal and collective history, suggesting how deeply tango music is embedded in the emotional landscape of Argentina. Additionally, phrases like ‘estar lejos es un sueño’ (being far away is a dream) and references to friends and relatives express a deep-seated feeling of missing one’s origin while also touching upon the universal theme of displacement and the search for identity.
“Tango mio” was created in 1939, a period when Argentina was both culturally vibrant yet politically unstable. This era, leading up to World War II, saw many Argentinians grappling with issues of identity and displacement, much like the feelings encapsulated within the song. The reference to ‘fuiste reo por tu cuna’ (you were a prisoner because of your cradle) might reflect societal views on the tango during its early years, often associated with the lower classes and sometimes viewed with disdain by the elite. This historical context enriches the song, suggesting that tango was a form of resistance and pride for its cultural roots, despite external prejudices.
Emilio Fresedo, an influential figure in the tango scene, is best known for his deep roots in the traditional tango music of Argentina and his contributions which have helped popularize the genre globally.