Tango Argentino

Carlos Gardel's 'Tango Argentino' is a heartfelt homage to the roots and spirit of the tango, a dance and musical genre that originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The song paints a vivid picture of the tango's birth and evolution, highlighting its deep connection to the marginalized and vibrant communities of the old arrabal (suburb). Gardel, often referred to as the father of tango, uses his lyrics to celebrate the genre's humble beginnings and its rise to international acclaim.

The lyrics describe the tango as a 'son of the slums,' born in the misery of the old arrabal. It was baptized in the streets, with a thief as its godfather, symbolizing the rough and tumble environment from which it emerged. The tango's first friends and lovers were from the same gritty background, and it quickly became the anthem of the suburb, resonating with the lives and struggles of its people. The song nostalgically recalls the early days of tango, mentioning iconic pieces like 'El choclo,' 'La cumparsita,' and 'El entrerriano,' which still evoke the spirit of those times.

Gardel also touches on the tango's journey from the suburbs to the aristocracy, where it was often misunderstood and altered. Despite its transformation and the attempts to dress it up for the elite, the tango remains true to its roots, always a child of the arrabal. The song celebrates the tango's authenticity and its ability to triumph both in Europe and at home, admired for its raw emotion and cultural significance. 'Tango Argentino' is not just a song; it's a tribute to the enduring soul of the tango and the community that gave it life.