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Zorzal

Zorzal is a Milonga written by Dorita Zárate and recorded by Carlos di Sarli in 1941. The Milonga Zorzal is written by Dorita Zárate, Carlos di Sarli has recorded Zorzal with the singer Roberto Rufino.
“Zorzal,” translated to English as “The Thrush,” is a piece that encapsulates the soulful essence of a tango. Its melody flutters and weaves through the air, like the thrush’s song at dawn, evoking both melancholy and joy. This musical poem captures fleeting moments of life, painting them in the rich, emotive colors of a bygone era.

Milonga

Style

Carlos di Sarli

Orchestra

Roberto Rufino

Singer

Dorita Zárate

Author

Dorita Zárate

Composer

1941/12/3

Date

Roberto Rufino
Roberto Rufino
Carlos di Sarli
Carlos di Sarli

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Zorzal recorded by other Orchestras

Zorzal recorded by other Orchestras

Lyrics Translation of the Milonga Zorzal

This is the translation of the Milonga “Zorzal” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Milonga “Zorzal” have been done with AI.

Letra del Milonga Zorzal

Morocho de ojazos negros
Y chambergo requintao,
Pañuelo florido al cuello
Y zapatos charolaos.
Cantaba sentidos tangos
Con su voz sentimental,
Y allá en su barriada humilde
Le llamaban el zorzal.

Cien noches le cantó
A su arrabal,
Cien noches sollozó
Su corazón.
Cariños tuvo mil
Y en su cantar,
Iba sembrando
Sus amores el zorzal.

El barrio ha quedado triste
Ya no tiene su cantor,
Se fue siguiendo una estrella
Porque en ella va su amor.
Aquella morocha linda
Que lo supo enamorar,
Cerró sus ojos pa´ siempre
Y tras ella fue el zorzal.

English lyrics of the Milonga "Zorzal"

Dark-haired with big black eyes
And a well-worn hat to match,
With a flowery scarf at his neck
And shiny patent leather shoes.
He sang heartfelt tangos
With his sentimental voice,
And in his humble neighborhood
They called him the nightingale.

A hundred nights he sang
To his district,
A hundred nights he cried
From his heart.
He had a thousand loves
And in his song,
The nightingale sowed
His affections.

The neighborhood now is sad
It no longer has its singer,
He left following a star
For his love goes with it.
That lovely dark-haired girl
Who won his heart,
Closed her eyes forever
And after her went the nightingale.

Zorzal by

Zorzal is a Tango written by and composed by Dorita Zárate.

Story behind the Tango Zorzal

“Zorzal” weaves a poignant narrative of love, loss, and longing. The character, a dark-eyed singer affectionately called “el zorzal,” reminisces about his past, singing deeply emotional tangos with a heartfelt voice. This singer is deeply tied to his neighborhood, a connection shown by the admiration and affection of the community. However, as the story unfolds, the melody turns sorrowful as it speaks of the singer’s departure, led by an overwhelming love for a woman who has passed. This tale is about the transient nature of love and the enduring pain that follows loss.

Symbolism of Zorzal

The term “zorzal” itself symbolizes the singer’s powerful voice, likening it to the songbird known for its beautiful and melodic tunes. This symbolism extends further into the tango, emphasizing the singer’s ability to touch hearts. “Morocho de ojazos negros” evokes an archetype of the tango artist—dark, intense, and passionate. The line “se fue siguiendo una estrella” signifies an eternal pursuit of a destined love, an image rich in wistfulness and tender imagery, capturing the theme of following one’s heart beyond life. “Cien noches le cantó” reflects both dedication and a longing for a beloved community that he serenades ceaselessly.

Zorzal in historic Context

Composed in Buenos Aires in 1941, “Zorzal” encapsulates the cultural and emotional landscape of Argentina during a period when tango was a profound expression of societal sentiments. The notion of the humble neighborhood (“barriada humilde”) as a cornerstone reflects the era’s social dynamics, marked by close-knit communities and a shared love for music and storytelling. This period in Buenos Aires was rich with artistic expression, where tango served as both an escape and an embodiment of life’s struggles and passions.

was a prominent figure in tango, known for contributing some of the most emotive and culturally resonant lyrics in the genre. Their work captures the essence of Buenos Aires’ vibrant yet poignant life narrative.