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Vas muerto en la parada

Vas muerto en la parada is a Tango written by Mortimer Birriel Rodríguez and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1953. The Tango Vas muerto en la parada is written by Mortimer Birriel Rodríguez, Juan D’Arienzo has recorded Vas muerto en la parada with the singer Alberto Echagüe.
The piece is called “Vas muerto en la parada,” which translates to “You’re dead at the stop.” This evocative title suggests a moment of fate or realizations at life’s crossroads, where time stands still as we confront our choices. The music weaves through the pauses and silences of destiny, capturing the haunting dance between inevitability and lost opportunities.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Alberto Echagüe

Singer

Antonio Casciani

Author

Mortimer Birriel Rodríguez

Composer

1953/9/18

Date

Alberto Echagüe
Alberto Echagüe
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Vas muerto en la parada

This is the translation of the Tango “Vas muerto en la parada” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Vas muerto en la parada” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Vas muerto en la parada

Ahí estás, sos una estaca, junto a un farol recostado

Como aguantando la esquina, que no se vaya a caer,

De tu pelo a la gomina, por el funyi requintado

Se deschava en lontananza, la biaba que te fajás.



Desde lejos se te notan los aprestos gardelianos

Con esa pinta ´e malevo, a quién querés engrupir,

En la pista del cariño ya te creés un Leguisamo

Con aprontes tan fuleros, de perdedor no salís.



Esos cuerpos tentadores

De las minas papirusas,

Con sus líneas que seducen

Como un gil, las ves pasar.

Y que después le bata

Una parola a una musa,

Vas a relojear amores

Y desde el pique, sonás.



Recitado:

Atendéme a este consejo que te doy y con el tiempo

Quizá vos me lo agradezcas con todo tu corazón,

Alzá el vuelo del suburbio que a tu pinta de “parchento”

Ni siquiera le da corte, la que al vicio se entregó.



Volvé pronto a tu querencia donde fuiste en otrora

El sol de una nueva aurora, la esperanza de un hogar,

Allí tus viejos te esperan, pa´ decirte en buena hora

Que sos joven y sos fuerte, te podés acomodar.

English lyrics of the Tango "Vas muerto en la parada"

There you are, like a stake, leaning against a streetlight,
As if you’re holding up the corner, so it won’t collapse,
From your hair slicked back with pomade, to your stylish hat,
It’s obvious from afar, the thrashing you’ve pulled yourself through.

From a distance, your Gardelian airs are noticeable,
With that thug-like swagger, who are you trying to fool?
In the dance of affection, you think you’re Leguisamo,
With such poor tactics, you never stop losing.

Those tempting bodies
Of glamorous women,
With their seductive curves,
Like a fool, you watch them go by.
And then to throw
Words at a muse,
You’re going to clock loves
And from the start, you’re busted.

Spoken:
Listen to this advice I’m giving you, and with time
You might thank me with all your heart,
Lift off from the suburbs, where your rough appearance
Doesn’t even cut it for those who’ve succumbed to vice.

Return soon to where you once belonged,
The sun of a new dawn, the hope of a home,
There your parents wait to tell you it’s about time,
That you’re young and strong, you can settle down.

Vas muerto en la parada by Antonio Casciani

Vas muerto en la parada is a Tango written by Antonio Casciani and composed by Mortimer Birriel Rodríguez.


Story behind the Tango Vas muerto en la parada

The tango “Vas muerto en la parada” unfolds a narrative exploring the life of an individual who appears stuck or inactive (“sos una estaca”), potentially a young person leaning against the change of time, symbolized by the street corner and a lamppost. The lyrics critique this character’s pretensions and illusions about urban life, demonstrating how they are detached from reality, perceiving themselves as a debonair or cavalier figure akin to Carlos Gardel, a symbolic figure in the tango world.


As the lyrics progress, it becomes evident that the protagonist’s pursuit of superficial attractions, such as charming women (“las minas papirusas”), is futile. The narrative voice, speaking from experience, advises the character to return to their roots—possibly a neighborhood or a family setting—where genuine opportunity for a new beginning exists.


Symbolism of Vas muerto en la parada

The phrase “Vas muerto en la parada”, directly translated as “You’re dead at the stop” metaphorically captures the essence of stagnation and disillusionment in life. The song further uses rich imagery and symbolism such as “el suburbio” to denote not just a physical space but a state of mind that the protagonist needs to escape from. The lamp post (“junto a un farol recostado”) signifies false support or a crutch that does not really aid one’s growth.


The reference to “Carlos Gardel” invokes an idealized version of masculinity and success, which the protagonist is failing to live up to despite his external paraphernalia. “La pinta de ‘parchento'” represents his attempt to appear fashionable or part of a specific culture, yet it comes across as superficial and unconvincing, painting him as a character out of touch with reality.


Vas muerto en la parada in historic Context

Created in 1953 by Antonio Casciani, “Vas muerto en la parada” reflects post-war Argentine society’s complexities and transitions. During this time, Argentina was undergoing significant social and economic changes, with urbanization drawing people into cities from rural areas. The song captures the tension between traditional values and the lure of cosmopolitan life, revealing the conflicts faced by individuals caught between these worlds. This historic backdrop enhances the song’s message about authenticity, urging a return to “la querencia” (homeland or comfort zone) and reclaiming genuine connections and purposes.


Antonio Casciani

Antonio Casciani was a prominent poet and lyricist, highly regarded for his contributions to the Argentine tango repertoire.