Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

Yo soy de San Telmo

Yo soy de San Telmo is a Milonga written by Arturo Gallucci and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1943. The Milonga Yo soy de San Telmo is written by Arturo Gallucci, Carlos di Sarli has recorded Yo soy de San Telmo with the singer Roberto Rufino.
“Yo soy de San Telmo” translates to “I Am from San Telmo” in English. This title evokes the vibrant and historic soul of the San Telmo neighborhood in Buenos Aires, a cradle of tango and tradition. The music captures the essence of its cobblestone streets and echoes the stories of its lively and passionate community.

Milonga

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Roberto Rufino

Singer

Victorino Velázquez

Author

Arturo Gallucci

Composer

1943/10/7

Date

Roberto Rufino
Roberto Rufino
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Yo soy de San Telmo recorded by other Orchestras

Yo soy de San Telmo recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Milonga Yo soy de San Telmo

This is the translation of the Milonga “Yo soy de San Telmo” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Milonga “Yo soy de San Telmo” have been done with AI.

Letra del Milonga Yo soy de San Telmo

Yo soy de San Telmo y vengo
Por estos barrios para dejar,
Un verso para las madres
Y mozas de mi ciudad.

Yo soy un cantor sincero
Sencillo y sentimental,
Trabajo como el hornero
Y canto como el zorzal.

Siempre supe respetar
Al que habló y trató conmigo,
En San Telmo me conocen
Por cantor y buen amigo.

Si hay que calmar el dolor
Del que vive padeciendo,
Soy primero en la ocasión
Para aliviar su corazón.

English lyrics of the Milonga "Yo soy de San Telmo"

I am from San Telmo and I come
Through these neighborhoods to leave,
A verse for the mothers
And young women of my city.

I am an honest singer
Simple and sentimental,
I work like the ovenbird
And sing like the thrush’s call.

I’ve always known how to respect
Those who spoke and dealt with me,
In San Telmo, they know me
For being a singer and a good friend.

If there’s a need to ease the pain
Of one who lives in suffering,
I’m the first in line to help
To soothe and heal their heart.

Yo soy de San Telmo by Arturo Gallucci

Yo soy de San Telmo is a Tango written by and composed by Arturo Gallucci.

Story behind the Tango Yo soy de San Telmo

The tango “Yo soy de San Telmo” paints a vivid portrait of the life and values of a sincere and compassionate singer from the historic neighborhood of San Telmo in Buenos Aires. The narrator identifies closely with their community, expressing a heartfelt connection to the hardworking and sentimental spirit of the area. They offer verses to honor the mothers and young women of their city, underscoring their role as a simple yet earnest artist. The song reflects themes of camaraderie, respect, and a commitment to alleviating the suffering of others, portraying the singer as a respected figure known for their authenticity and friendship.

Symbolism of Yo soy de San Telmo

The song uses rich symbolism to convey deeper meanings. The narrator compares themselves to a “hornero” (a bird known for its hardworking nature and elaborate nests) and a “zorzal” (a thrush with melodic singing), highlighting their diligent work ethic and natural musical talent. These symbols emphasize the singer’s authenticity and grassroots connection to their craft. The “verso para las madres y mozas” (verse for the mothers and young women) symbolizes a tribute to the nurturing and youthful spirits within the community, reinforcing a deep appreciation for foundational societal roles.

Yo soy de San Telmo in Historic Context

Created in 1943, amid the backdrop of Buenos Aires, “Yo soy de San Telmo” reflects the cultural essence and historical context of San Telmo, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods. Known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, San Telmo has long been a hub of tango culture, where working-class roots and artistic expression intertwine. This setting imbues the song with authenticity and underscores the singer’s solidarity with the everyday lives of the people. During this period, Argentina was experiencing significant social and political changes, and the song’s themes of friendship and mutual support resonated with a society navigating those complexities.

About Arturo Gallucci

Arturo Gallucci was a composer known for his contributions to the tango genre, deeply intertwined with the cultural and musical landscape of Buenos Aires in the mid-20th century.