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Yira yira

Yira yira is a Tango written by Enrique Santos Discepolo and recorded by José Basso in 1961. José Basso has recorded Yira yira as an instrumental Tango.
“Yira Yira” translates into English as “Round and Round.” This evocative tango speaks to the relentless cycle of life and the dizzying whirl of fate, as we are all caught in its perpetual spin. Through its melancholic melodies, it captures the essence of existential struggle and the weary dance of hope and despair.

Tango

Style

José Basso

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Author

Enrique Santos Discepolo

Composer

1961/4/25

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
José Basso
José Basso

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Yira yira recorded by other Orchestras

Yira yira recorded by other Orchestras

Letra del Tango Yira yira

Cuando la suerte qu’ es grela,
fayando y fayando
te largue parao;
cuando estés bien en la vía,
sin rumbo, desesperao;
cuando no tengas ni fe,
ni yerba de ayer
secándose al sol;
cuando rajés los tamangos
buscando ese mango
que te haga morfar…
la indiferencia del mundo
-que es sordo y es mudo-
recién sentirás.

Verás que todo el mentira,
verás que nada es amor,
que al mundo nada le importa…
¡Yira!… ¡Yira!…
Aunque te quiebre la vida,
aunque te muerda un dolor,
no esperes nunca una ayuda,
ni una mano, ni un favor.

Cuando estén secas las pilas
de todos los timbres
que vos apretás,
buscando un pecho fraterno
para morir abrazao…
Cuando te dejen tirao
después de cinchar
lo mismo que a mí.
Cuando manyés que a tu lado
se prueban la ropa
que vas a dejar…
Te acordarás de este otario
que un día, cansado,
¡se puso a ladrar!

English lyrics of the Tango "Yira yira"

When luck, that fickle friend,
failing and failing,
leaves you stranded;
when you’re well on track,
aimless, in despair;
when you have no faith,
nor yesterday’s herb
drying in the sun;
when you tear your old shoes
searching for that buck
to provide your meal…
the world’s indifference,
—deaf and mute—
you will truly feel.

You’ll see it’s all a lie,
you’ll see there’s no such thing as love,
that the world cares for nothing…
Keep moving!… Keep moving!…
Even if life crushes you,
even if pain bites you hard,
never wait for help,
not a hand, nor a favor.

When the batteries of all the bells
you press are dead,
searching for a brotherly chest
to die embraced…
When they’ve left you tossed aside
after exploiting you
just like they did to me.
When you realize that by your side
they’re trying on the clothes
you’re going to leave behind…
You’ll remember this fool
who, one tired day,
started to bark!

Yira yira by Enrique Santos Discepolo

Yira yira is a Tango written and composed by Enrique Santos Discepolo.

Story behind the Tango Yira yira

The tango “Yira yira,” reflects a poignant narrative about despair and disillusionment. It captures a moment where all luck has vanished, leaving one to face the harsh realities of life alone. Through its lyrics, the tango tells a tale of personal crisis during which societal indifference and isolation become painfully evident.


Symbolism of Yira yira

The repetitive nature of the phrase “Yira yira” symbolizes the continuous and unyielding hardships faced by the protagonist. This phrase, translating to “Everything spins” in English, portrays the never-ending cycle of struggle. The lyrics describe a world where love and kindness are non-existent, and where each person must fend for themselves without hope for aid or compassion.

Key phrases such as “cuando la suerte que es grela” (when luck is harsh) and “la indiferencia del mundo” (the world’s indifference) emphasize a universe filled with betrayal and loneliness. These lines, enhanced by stark imagery of drying herbs and worn-out shoes, evoke a powerful sense of abandonment and survival.


Yira yira in Historic Context

“Yira yira” was written during a time when Argentina was experiencing significant socio-economic changes. The late 1950s and early 1960s were marked by political instability and economic hardships. In this context, Discepolo’s lyrics resonate with a broader audience, reflecting a collective sentiment of disillusionment and struggle against an uncaring society.


Enrique Santos Discepolo

Enrique Santos Discepolo was an influential Argentine musician and playwright, known for his deep and critical tango lyrics that often reflected the socio-political climates of his times.