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.
Un alma buena is a Tango written by José María Contursi and composed by Aquiles Aguilar.
“Un alma buena” translates to “A Good Soul” in English, capturing the essence of lament and deep sorrow. The lyrics open with a vivid simile comparing a stabbing knife to the agony of receiving devastating news, illustrating the physical pain of emotional loss. The song narrates the agony of a person who learns about a loved one’s demise, a revelation that adds to his suffering. The acknowledgment of his presence at a place where he doesn’t belong underlines a sense of isolation and misunderstanding by others. The repeated line “Nadie más que yo” (No one more than me) emphasizes his unique and profound connection to the departed, adding to the poem’s emotional depth.
The knife imagery in the lyrics is a powerful symbol of deep emotional pain, portraying how news or events can cut through one’s heart like a dagger. The repetition of this imagery at both the beginning and end of the song creates a circular narrative of ongoing suffering. The mention of a figure of Christ symbolizes seeking redemption or forgiveness, a common theme in moments of deep despair and reflection. The phrases describing the soul’s unrest in solitude, filled with “duendes de dolor” (sprites of pain), enrich the lyrical portrayal of internal torment and grief.
This Tango was created in 1972 in Argentina, a period marked by political instability and social unrest leading up to the military dictatorship in 1976. The collective national experience of loss, fear, and uncertainty may be reflected in the personal grief and despair expressed in “Un alma buena.” The year and the environment in which it was written likely influenced its themes of sorrow and solitude, resonating with the broader public sentiment of the era.
José María Contursi was a renowned Argentine lyricist known for his deeply emotional and poignant contributions to the genre of Tango, often intertwining romantic anguish with broader existential themes.