Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ
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.
Vidas marcadas (Juego) is a Tango written and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.
The lyrics of “Vidas marcadas (Juego)” translate in spirit to “Marked Lives (Game)” in English. Echoing the deep adversities and spirals of despair inhabited by gamblers, Sciammarella portrays a grim picture of addiction—a constant struggle marred by ruinous outcomes that ensnare its victims. It goes beyond mere recreation, inflicting tangible social and personal damage, showcasing the relentless, destructive interaction with gambling, which often results in losing more than just money.
“Embrujo de naipes, barullo de fichas, rodar de bolillas” vividly conjures the chaotic and spellbinding allure of the gaming arena, while phrases like “Brillar de los ojos” (sparkling eyes) symbolize the false hopes and fleeting excitement of the gamblers. The repeated use of “Juego endiablado” (fiendish game) across the lyrics reinforces the depicted vice as nearly demonic, accentuating its capacity to corrupt and devastate lives unreservedly. Mention of “un hermano,” “una madre,” and “el pan de los hijos” further highlights the severe implications on familial ties and responsibilities neglected by those caught in gambling’s fierce clutch.
Recorded in 1942 Argentina, a period integrating profound social changes and economic challenges, “Vidas marcadas” mirrors the surrounding tumult and the escape that some might have sought in gambling. During this era, such themes were not uncommon in tango music, popularly known to reflect the sentiments, struggles, and spirit of the Argentine people. The focus on loss, betrayal, and hardship speaks to broader societal issues of the time, echoing a pervasive sense of disarray and tumult within the community.
Rodolfo Sciammarella was a prominent figure in the world of tango, both as a composer and lyricist, whose works often delved into the social issues of his time.