Un bailongo by José Ricardo

Un bailongo is a Tango written and composed by José Ricardo.

Story behind the Tango Un bailongo

“Un bailongo” details a lively and chaotic gathering in a neighborhood referred to as “el barrio de las ranas.” The narrative unfolds over a social dance, where local figures and ‘bacanas’ (prominent women) are invited using cardboard invitations. As the milonga (dance event) progresses, fueled by the intoxicating effects of the served kerosene, respect gives way to disorder, climaxing in a brawl instigated by an inebriated guest named ‘Pardo.’ The lyric captures the energy and unpredictability of these local dance gatherings, where social norms briefly relax under the influence of music and alcohol.

Symbolism of Un bailongo

The tango uses rich, colorful language to paint a vibrant picture of mid-20th century Argentine popular culture. The term “bailongo” itself symbolizes a spirited, perhaps rowdy, dance party. The ‘barrio de las ranas,’ likely a fictitious or symbolic name, evokes an image of a lively, bustling area. The frequent references to dance — tango being the dance of the common people in Argentina — highlight the importance of this cultural expression as a form of social interaction and entertainment. The cardboards used for invitations symbolize the humble, improvised nature of the event, contrasting with the grandiose airs some attendees put on. The ensuing brawl symbolizes the breakdown of social order often feared by upper classes in such mixed social gatherings.

Un bailongo in historic Context

Recorded on December 4, 1950, in Argentina, “Un bailongo” is set in a post-World War II era when the country was experiencing significant social and economic shifts. This period saw a rise in the working and middle classes, and tango music, often associated with the lower classes, began to infiltrate all layers of society. The milonga setting reflects a typical place of convergence where different social classes could mingle, sometimes leading to confrontations. The reference to kerosene, a cheaper substitute for alcohol, is indicative of the resourcefulness in economically harder times.

José Ricardo

José Ricardo was an influential figure in Argentine tango, known for his evocative compositions that often painted vivid pictures of life in Buenos Aires.