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Tierra negra

Tierra negra is a Tango written by Graciano De Leone and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1953. Carlos di Sarli has recorded Tierra negra as an instrumental Tango.
“Tierra Negra,” which translates to “Black Earth” in English, embodies the deep, soulful rhythms of forgotten lands. It speaks to the fertile yet mysterious soil that nurtures life while holding secrets woven into its dark embrace. In its melodies, one feels the whispers of history, a dance of shadows and light embedded in each note, telling tales of passion and resilience.

Tango

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Bastardi

Author

Graciano De Leone

Composer

1953/10/30

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Tierra negra recorded by other Orchestras

Tierra negra recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Tierra negra

(pregón)
Resaca y tierra negra para plantas,
patrona, ¿quiere comprar?

(canto)
Llevo en mi carro la tierra y resaca
que nutre las plantas y aroma las flores;
y llevo en mi pecho un nido de amores
que nutre las ansias de algún corazón.

Por eso yo, cuando paso
cantando mi pregón,
les brindo mi pasión…
Si vendo resaca y tierra
entonces doy vigor
a una hermosa flor.
Eso patrona, es sentir
ansiedad de vivir,
de gozar y buscar sonrisas…
Porque la vida es así,
una flor, un amor,
y al final ¡reír!… ¡reír!…

English lyrics of the Tango "Tierra negra"

(crier)
Residue and black soil for plants,
madam, do you want to buy?

(song)
I carry in my cart the soil and residue
that nourishes the plants and scents the flowers;
and I carry in my chest a nest of loves
that feeds the yearnings of some heart.

That’s why I, when I pass
singing my chant,
offer you my passion…
If I sell residue and soil
then I give strength
to a beautiful flower.
That, madam, is feeling
the desire to live,
to enjoy and seek smiles…
Because life is like that,
a flower, a love,
and in the end, laugh!… laugh!…

Tierra negra by

Tierra negra is a Tango written by and composed by Graciano De Leone.

Story behind the Tango Tierra negra

Tierra negra captures a snapshot of life where the narrator, presumably a seller of fertile soil and resaca (sediment), offers his wares while reflecting on his inner emotional life. The seller appears to find a parallel between nourishing plants and fulfilling the deep desires of hearts, suggesting a shared quest for growth and beauty. Passion is a constant offering, whether through his tangible goods or through expressions of love and longing, indicating the intertwined nature of work and emotion.

Symbolism of Tierra negra

The symbolism is rich, with “tierra negra” (black soil) representing fertility, growth, and renewal. It is a metaphor for life’s enriching experiences. The act of selling nourishing soil parallels nurturing love and relationships, feeding the “ansias de algún corazón” (yearnings of some heart). The passionate cry of “porque la vida es así, una flor, un amor” (because life is like this, a flower, a love) encapsulates the fleeting and poignant nature of existence. The metaphor of a vibrant flower symbolizes life’s beauty and ephemeral happiness, emphasizing the fulfillment found in simple, everyday interactions.

Tierra negra in historic Context

Written in 1953 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during a time of social change and economic turmoil, the tango reflects common life themes amid urban challenges. Buenos Aires was a city mixing tradition with modernity, and “Tierra negra” mirrors the struggles of working-class individuals finding meaning and purpose beyond routine life. The cultural importance of tango as an expression of Argentine emotion and daily struggle is evident here, showcasing a personal and communal longing for beauty and joy amidst life’s challenges.

Graciano De Leone was an influential composer in the Argentine tango scene, known for creating evocative and deeply emotional compositions that resonate with the soul and spirit of the tango tradition.