Yo soy repique de tango by Celedonio Flores

Yo soy repique de tango is a Tango written by Celedonio Flores and composed by Ascencio Rodríguez y Ramón Rodríguez.

Story behind the Tango Yo soy repique de tango

“Yo soy repique de tango” translates to “I am a resonating beat of tango,” emphasizing the narrator’s embodiment of the spirit and fervor of the tango. The lyrical content passionately declares an identity deeply intertwined with the essence of tango, which Celedonio Flores epitomizes as not merely a dance but an expression of life’s raw complexities. The tango is presented as robust, sincere, and intense, where emotions and life experiences are deeply interwoven with the rhythmic movements and cultural significance of the dance.

Symbolism of Yo soy repique de tango

The phrase “de pelo en pecho,” which translates to “with hair on the chest,” symbolizes machismo or masculine bravery and straightforwardness. Tango is described as “marcao, bien milonga y compadrón sin remango,” highlighting its clear, milonga style, and bold, unabashed character. The analogy “Como un cuchillo, derecho desde la punta hasta el mango” (Like a knife, straight from tip to hilt) cleverly denotes tango’s penetrating and forthright nature, cutting through facades and revealing the raw truth. Such powerful imagery enforces the authenticity and deep emotional connection that tango demands from its practitioners.

Yo soy repique de tango in historic Context

The tango was recorded in 1957, a time when Argentina was experiencing considerable political and social upheaval. Tango music often mirrored these societal changes, serving as an emotive outlet and a form of resistance or commentary. This period boosted the narrative style in tango, where lyrics became not just about love and betrayal, but also a reflection on personal and collective resilience. Notably, references to traditional neighborhoods of Buenos Aires such as “del centro y los arrabales” (from the downtown and the suburbs) evoke a landscape that’s intimately connected with the origins and development of tango, suggesting a celebration of its pervasive influence across different societal strata.

Celedonio Flores

Celedonio Flores was an Argentine poet and tango lyricist, well-known for his vivid portrayals of urban life and deep connection with the bohemian and tango scene of Buenos Aires.