Yo tengo un puñal

Yo tengo un puñal is a Tango written by Luis Moresco and recorded by Rodolfo Biagi in 1943. The Tango Yo tengo un puñal is written by Luis Moresco, Rodolfo Biagi has recorded Yo tengo un puñal with the singer Carlos Acuña.

“Yo tengo un puñal,” or “I have a dagger,” is a title steeped in drama and passion. The sharp edge of the dagger symbolizes hidden pain or unresolved conflict, lingering close to the heart. It speaks to the haunting tango of love and betrayal, hinting at a dance where emotions cut deep, yet remain beautifully intricate.

Tango

Style

Rodolfo Biagi

Orchestra

Carlos Acuña

Singer

José Terragno

Author

Luis Moresco

Composer

1943/3/3

Date

Carlos Acuña

Rodolfo Biagi

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Osvaldo Fresedo – Lluvia sobre el mar – 1952/12/23

Orquesta Típica Victor – El beso de manuelita – 1932/9/2
Orquesta Típica Victor – Dos años a la marina – 1931/6/2
Orquesta Típica Victor – Filo misho – 1930/5/8
Orquesta Típica Victor – La cumparsita – 1926/5/12
Orquesta Típica Victor – Por mis trabucos – 1941/7/25

Osmar Maderna – Para ti madre – 1949/1/26
Osmar Maderna – Inspiración – 1950/2/2
Osmar Maderna – El rodeo – 1947/12/16
Osmar Maderna – Inútil – 1947/2/20
Osmar Maderna – Qué noche – 1949/9/29

José Basso – Por miedo a perderte – 1958/12/3
José Basso – De diez
siete – 1964/1/1
José Basso – Una historia más – 1961/4/18
José Basso – Mi noche triste – 1948/1/1
José Basso – La vi llegar – 1964/1/1

Lyrics Translation of the Tango Yo tengo un puñal

This is the translation of the Tango “Yo tengo un puñal” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Yo tengo un puñal” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Yo tengo un puñal

Viví sin que me aten
Ni ley ni mandato,
Mi ley siempre ha sido
La vida y su andar.
Mi huella fue el surco
Mi afán, el trabajo,
Y si me ofendieron
Yo tuve un puñal.

Después viendo que esto
Era poco para un hombre,
Sentí la fatiga
De andar cimarrón.
Y en los tientos fuertes
De dos lindos brazos,
Se enredó el galope
De mi corazón…

Me sentí más bueno
Con ella a mi lado,
Más manso y sereno
Más noble y confiado,
Sujeto en el freno
De su voluntad.

De tanto quererla
Como no esperaba,
A veces me entraba
Temor de perderla,
Y pa´ defenderla
Yo tuve un puñal.

English lyrics of the Tango "Yo tengo un puñal"

I lived unbound
By laws or mandates,
My only law has been
Life and its walk.
My trail was the furrow
My quest, the labor,
And if I was wronged
I had a dagger.

Later seeing that this
Was little for a man,
I felt the weariness
Of wandering wild.
And in the strong grips
Of two lovely arms,
The gallop of
My heart got tangled…

I felt kinder
With her by my side,
Calmer and serene
More noble and trusting,
Held in the reins
Of her will.

Loving her so much
More than I expected,
Sometimes I was scared
Of losing her,
And to defend her
I had a dagger.

Yo tengo un puñal by José Terragno

Yo tengo un puñal is a Tango written by José Terragno and composed by Luis Moresco.

Story behind the Tango Yo tengo un puñal

The tango “Yo tengo un puñal” portrays a narrative of a rugged, independent man who cherished his freedom until he encountered love, which transformed his outlook on life. His initial philosophy was shaped by an unattached existence, guided only by personal experiences (his “laws” were “life and its journey”). However, upon finding love (“in the strong ties of two beautiful arms”), his life takes an extraordinary turn. The metaphor about his heart being “tangled” shows how deeply he was affected by this relationship.

Symbolism of Yo tengo un puñal

The theme revolves heavily around the symbol of the knife (“puñal”). Initially, it reflects his readiness to defend his own beliefs and livelihood, representing his resilience and possibly a violent past. As he transitions into a life shaped by love and vulnerability, the knife takes on new meaning, embodying his willingness to protect not just his life but also the woman he loves. This object, thus, becomes a recurring motif illustrating the idea of defense and protection in varying life facets.