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.
Trasnochando is a Tango written by Santiago Adamini and composed by Armando Baliotti.
The lyrics of “Trasnochando” reveal the regrets of someone who has lived a life of excess and self-destructive behaviors. The narrator speaks of a past filled with misguided decisions, nights of partying, and a pivotal, troubled relationship with a woman. Rejecting the well-intended advice of friends, he lived a night-owl existence (‘trasnochar’ meaning to stay up all night), eventually leading to his downfall and remorse. This realization of loss and ongoing suffering is captured poignantly in the verses which tell the tale of love lost and the inability to move past his suffering, despite the passing of time.
The tango uses numerous symbols to enhance its emotional depth. The “photo” mentioned in the lyrics symbolizes nostalgia and the haunting presence of the past, a relic of a time and a relationship he is desperate to forget but feels unable to discard completely. The actions suggested with the photo—keeping, throwing away, or tearing it up—reflect the internal conflict and the struggle to let go. The recurring theme of nocturnal restlessness (trasnochando) is metaphorical for a life of persistent turmoil and the inability to find peace, a broader reflection on the consequences of living without heed to one’s future.
“Trasnochando” was written in 1942 Argentina, a period of change and cultural evolution. Tango during this era was often reflective of societal issues, with lyrics frequently expressing sentiments of melancholy, regret, and critique of lifestyle choices. Buenos Aires was a hotspot for tango, a city of vibrant nightlife, yet also of personal and social conflicts. The tango captured the character of a city where people often lived on the edges of society and morality, echoing the national ambiance under strong political and social transformations. The backdrop of global uncertainty during World War II might also influence the introspective and somewhat tragic narrative of the lyrics.
Santiago Adamini was an Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to the rich repertoire of tango music.