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.
Tirando a matar is a Tango written by Pintín Castellanos and composed by Pintín Castellanos.
The title “Tirando a matar,” translated as “Shooting to Kill” or “Aiming to Kill,” portrays an intense scenario, suggesting a context of a life-and-death confrontation. The lyrics describe a violent encounter where knives flash in the struggle, deeply embedding into flesh with precision. The scene is one of a duel, potentially between two men (“guapos”), typical figures in Argentine culture known for their bravery and often reckless masculinity.
Phrases like “El encuentro fue brutal” and “El acero ensangrentao” illustrate the raw and brutal nature of this confrontation, where not just physical but existential battles are fought. The depiction of the duel until death underlines the fatalistic attitude often found in tango lyrics, which reflects the darker aspects of human nature and life’s harsh realities.
The recurrent imagery of flashing steel and deep wounds symbolizes deep emotional and physical scars. The duel might also metaphorically represent internal conflicts or societal clashes, reflecting personal or collective struggles. The stark absence of lament in the eyes of the duelists, “Ojos profundos / Sin lamento y en silencio,” could symbolize the resignation to fate, a common theme in tango that speaks to the broader human condition of enduring suffering without outward complaint.
“Se siente un grito de dolor” signals the climax of the confrontation, marking the moment one fighter can no longer continue. This not only highlights the physical pain but could also be echoing the spiritual and moral pain endured by individuals facing their own battles in life.
Recorded in 1942, amid global upheaval during World War II, “Tirando a matar,” though seemingly a personal or local story, can be interpreted against the backdrop of a world in conflict. This period in Argentina was also marked by political and social changes, influencing how such narratives of personal duels might be perceived as allegories for broader societal struggles.
The themes of violence, bravery, and stoicism resonate with a global audience familiar with war and conflict, making the song not just a local but a universal statement on human resilience and the tragic beauty of fighting for one’s beliefs or survival.
Pintín Castellanos was an influential figure in the Tango genre, renowned for his evocative compositions that often delved into themes of love, conflict, and human nature.