Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Tiempos viejos (Te acordas hermano) is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Francisco Canaro.
The lyrics of “Tiempos viejos (Te acordas hermano)” are a nostalgic reflection on the past. The speaker reminisces about the old times with a depth of emotion, addressing a brother or a close friend. The relentless passage of time and the changes it brings are central themes, with a focus on the contrast between the past and the present. The mention of ‘veinticinco abriles’ (twenty-five springtimes) that will not return evokes a powerful longing for youth and the experiences that came with it. The repeated question, “¿Te acordás, hermano?” serves as a poignant reminder of shared memories.
The tango uses symbolic language to highlight the cultural and moral changes over time. Terms like “cocó” and “morfina” symbolize the perceived moral decay, while saying “Los muchachos de antes no usaban gomina” suggests an authenticity and straightforwardness in the men of the past compared to the present. The transformation of Mireya, once a beautiful and admired woman turned into a “pobre mendiga harapienta” (poor ragged beggar), underscores the cruelty of time and perhaps the fickle nature of beauty and social standing.
The tango was composed in 1926, a period when Argentina was experiencing significant social and economic changes. Buenos Aires, a cosmopolitan hub, was reflecting the global influences in fashion and social habits, indicated by references to modern products like ‘gomina’ (hair gel). This shift is reflected in the nostalgia for a perceived simpler and more authentic past. The song’s vivid references to specific locations like “lo de Hansen” (potentially referencing Hansen’s café, a popular gathering place in Buenos Aires) and to dances evoke a vivid image of social life during that era.
Manuel Romero was a prominent Argentine playwright and composer, known for his works that often reflected the socio-cultural tapestry of early 20th-century Argentina.