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.
Vas muerto en la parada is a Tango written by Antonio Casciani and composed by Mortimer Birriel Rodríguez.
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.
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.
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 was a prominent poet and lyricist, highly regarded for his contributions to the Argentine tango repertoire.