El Gato - Los Tangos de Delfina

[Editor's note: We got this dispatch from Buenos Aires from our agent there, Ricardo Monzina, who was sent there to research the tango band El Gato!. He came through with a first for Big And Tall Records, a set of 5 original Tangos from the group. After the successful recording sessions and the finalizing of the recordings, Ricardo was approached by El Gato himself about recording two more tangos before Ricardo came back to the U.S. Following is his extensive report that came with the audio files for the two new tangos!]

TO: Executives and all associates of Big And Tall Records
FROM: Ricardo Monzia, official associate and agent for Big And Tall Records
SUBJECT : New recordings by El Gato!

I know you've all been wondering why I extended my stay in Buenos Aires. No, it wasn't the fine weather, or the delicious food, it was an offer from El Gato! himself to record two more original tangos if we were interested. The recording sessions for their premiere album Canto El Tango went very well, and the group got along splendidly with the recording engineer on duty at the time. We got a picture of El Gato and his bandoneon player Mateo Onzario watching as Delfina Moretti recorded her song for the album. I was standing behind them and heard them talking about her, and how El Gato was in a relationship with her that has grown into a deep, passionate love. Mateo is encouraging him to let her know how he feels, that it is not just a fling between band members. Despite El Gato's aggressive singing style, he can be somewhat shy. So Mateo suggested that he can tell her in the best way - through song! El Gato had been working on a romantic tango for Delfina, and Mateo suggested that he should talk to me about recording it. 

I interrupted their conversation, apologized for eavesdropping (El Gato is not a man to be rude to. His shyness can turn to anger very quickly!) and asked him flat out if the tango was finished to record. El Gato hesitated, but Mateo said that it was! I found out that Mateo is not only the senior member of the group, but a wise counselor with a lot of experience in music and life. So I got on the phone, set up another recording session with the same recording engineer, contacted the local lawyers for another agreement for the session. El Gato was pleased, and quite excited to record his tango for his beloved.

It was a few days until the agreement from the lawyers came, and when it came El Gato gathered the available band members to review it like the last agreement they had. As usual, all the band members deferred to El Gato's leadership, except one- Gonzalo Crexell, La Profesor.  El Gato insisted that the agreement be like the last, that we pay all expenses, but the band receive no money upfront. El Gato said this song was personal, and La Profesor , or as El Gato calls him Culo amargado - Grumpy ass, because he belly aches so much, told them without getting paid he wouldn't play! He said his pockets were empty from the first agreement, and he's not playing the piano for a hobby! And as usual, El Gato let him vent and bitch until he agreed. 

The meeting intentionally hadn't included Delfina, as the band wanted to keep it a surprise that they recorded a tango specially for her. But she walked in as the meeting was over, and wanted to know what was going on and why she was left out. Let's just say that she's a spirited woman, and really threw a fit! But El Gato changed her mood when he told her about it, and showed her the contract. She read it, and began to cry. She knows El Gato enough that to have him write and dedicate a tango to her was special. She told him her feelings for him have deepened as well, but she was afraid of scaring him off by being too serious. 

The recording session was the next day, and the band played about 20 minutes by themselves to warm up. The recording engineer talked to El Gato while the band played, and offered some suggestions they could do post-recording to enhance the performance. El Gato was really pissed off at the suggestion, said they do not add tricks and wizardry of a recording engineer added to their music! To his credit, the recording engineer handled El Gato's anger well, probably wasn't the first  artist that jumped down his throat.

The band was in a groove, sounded great! El Gato joined them and did a sound check. His voice was still rough, but seemed to have a lighter quality here and there. When they got down to it, they recorded numerous takes of the song. El Gato listened, and picked the best one, then told the engineer that they had worked through enough material to have another whole song recorded. The recording engineer, again to his credit as the session's time was nearly over, agreed to give it a try. Luckily it was the last session of the day, so there was no need to wrap it up. I got the impression the engineer and El Gato liked each other. Despite their spirited discussion (the engineer barked back at El Gato a few times) It was obvious they respected each others ability. It was around 4:00 AM when they locked everything down,and there were two songs! The second one had been mostly improvised from parts of the first song and the endless material these players had in their heads after so many years of playing. 

I had gone back to my hotel after the first song, as it was already late. I knew they were going to try for another but hadn't heard any of it. So the following afternoon I accompanied Delfina and El Gato back to the studio to hear the results. Delfina was in tears through all of it, and El Gato smiled and stared as he listened. We listened a few times, El Gato asked me what I thought and all I could do was applaud him. The recording engineer then told el Gato that he had taken the liberty of adding a little something to the chorus of the 2nd song, and would like him to hear it. 

El Gato really earned his name then! His voice raised to a  thunderous, growling, spitting tirade against the engineer, and he got up to walk out. Delfina grabbed his hand and asked him to stay, she would like to hear it. I also added some encouragement, but it was mostly Delfina that calmed the hissing tomcat! The engineer offered no explanation or clue what was to come, he just began the track. Everything was the same with the second song until they came to the reprise at the end of the chorus section. I had provided extra funds to add a chorus to the songs, as well as a few extra players, mostly percussion. It took some coaxing to get El Gato to agree, but he liked  the result. At the repeat of the words 'canto mi corazon - I sing my heart out - He put a filter on the female voice that sings the words. I watched El Gato to see his reaction, for I knew if he didn't like it all hell would break loose. But he sat motionless, his gaze straight ahead, his eyes wide open and his mouth open. He didn't move or say a word through the rest of the song.

After some silence after the song, the engineer finally asked him what he thought. El Gato said that it was the haunting he felt of the love he feels for Delfina, that it is the inner voice that never lets him rest when he is not with her. He demanded that it be left in! El Gato can be a real surprise! 

Attached are the sound files for the songs, lyrics in Spanish and English are below. I know the song's  theme are the same, and there are other similarities, but I would advise to release them together, like the old days when records had an 'A' and a 'B' side. And I promise to get back as soon as I can and quit living high on the company dime! But you have to admit, we not only have a new artist aboard, and a tango band, but a trip that produced seven original songs! But tonight I'm going to celebrate and go to an Asado restaurant near the hotel! Chau, nos vemos!

Delfina En Tango

Delfina, te vi pasar con tu paso de salón
y yo, torpe de verdad, pisé tarde el corazón
Tengo manos de ladrón para el aire, para el hilo
pero al verte, mi canción se me quiebra sin escondite
 
Yo no sé girar contigo me tropiezo al respirar
si me acerco, pierdo el pulso si me alejo, duele más
Y aunque digan que es destino yo te miro y ya está
 
Delfina, mi voz te baila Delfina, mi voz te da
Yo no bailo el tango, amor pero te sé cantar
Delfina, mi voz te baila (Delfina) Delfina, mi voz te da (mi voz te da)
 
Tengo el pulso de un reloj que se cae al despertar
y tu risa, por favor, me enseña a no desafinar
No te ofrezco una esquina ni un compás para los pies
te ofrezco esta herida donde te nombro otra vez
 
Si la pista me perdona yo me quedo en el borde
con la pena en la garganta y tu nombre de norte
Que me vean tan sincero que me oigan temblar
 
Delfina, mi voz te baila Delfina, mi voz te da
Yo no bailo el tango, amor pero te sé cantar
Delfina, mi voz te baila (Delfina) Delfina, mi voz te da (mi voz te da)
 
Si la noche pide una vuelta yo la doy sin caminar
porque en cada nota abierta te me vuelvo a acercar
Y si nunca hay dos cuerpos marcando el mismo lugar
que mi pecho haga el baile que mis labios sepan dar
 
Delfina, mi voz te baila Delfina, mi voz te da
Yo no bailo el tango, amor pero te sé cantar
Delfina, mi voz te baila (Delfina) Delfina, mi voz te da (mi voz te da)
Delfina, quédate aquí en mi forma de cantar

Delfina's Tango

Delfina, I saw you pass by with your ballroom stride
and I—truly clumsy—stepped on my own heart too late
My hands are like a thief's when grasping at air or thread
but when I see you, my song breaks within me, with nowhere to hide
 
I don't know how to spin with you I stumble just to breathe
If I draw near, I lose my pulse If I pull away, it hurts even more
And though they say it's destiny I simply look at you, and that is all
 
Delfina, my voice dances for you Delfina, my voice gives itself to you
I don't dance the tango, love but I know how to sing for you
Delfina, my voice dances for you (Delfina) Delfina, my voice gives itself to you (my voice gives itself)
 
My pulse is like a clock that tumbles down upon waking
and your laughter—oh, please— teaches me how not to sing off-key
I don't offer you a street corner nor a rhythm for your feet
I offer you this wound where I speak your name once again
 
If the dance floor forgives me I'll stay right here on the edge
with sorrow lodged in my throat and your name as my guiding star
Let them see how sincere I am let them hear me tremble
 
Delfina, my voice dances for you Delfina, my voice gives itself to you
I don't dance the tango, love but I know how to sing for you
Delfina, my voice dances for you (Delfina) Delfina, my voice gives itself to you (my voice gives itself)
 
If the night calls for a turn I'll take it without moving my feet
for in every open note I draw close to you once more
And if two bodies never mark out the very same spot
then let my heart perform the dance that my lips know how to give
 
Delfina, my voice dances for you Delfina, my voice gives itself to you
I don't dance the tango, love but I know how to sing for you
Delfina, my... My voice dances for you (Delfina)
 Delfina, my voice gives itself to you (my voice gives itself to you)
Delfina, stay here within the way I sing

Delfina En Mi Boca

Delfina, mi querida, yo sé bailar muy mal.
Se me enredan los pasos como un perro al pasar.
Tú giras como el agua, yo caigo al pisar.
Y aun así, cuando te miro, me dan ganas de cantar.
 
No me pidas la cintura, ni el vuelo al cortar.
Yo tengo el alma torcida y los pies para tropezar.
Pero tengo esta garganta, tan fiel como el metal,
y si no te dan mis manos,mi voz te va a alcanzar.
 
Delfina, ay Delfina mi tango es para vos
Delfina, ay Delfina te nombro con amor
Yo nunca haré contigo la vuelta del salón
pero canto, Delfina, canto mi corazón
(Delfina)
(canto mi corazón)
 
La orquesta se hace vieja, la pista va a dormir.
Y yo sigo con mi torpeza sin poderme redimir.
Me piso el propio sueño, me río de mí.
Pero cuando dices "hola", se me ordena el porvenir.
 
Tu nombre me da coraje, me enseña a resistir.
Si mi cuerpo no te sigue, mi pecho sí va a ir.
 
No nací para la finta, ni para seducir.
Soy un hombre con zapatos que se quieren despedir.
Pero hay algo en tu mirada que me obliga a insistir,
y si el baile me derrota, mi voz te hace vivir.
 
Delfina, ay Delfina mi tango es para vos
Delfina, ay Delfina te nombro con amor
Yo nunca haré contigo la vuelta del salón
pero canto, Delfina, canto mi corazón
(Delfina)
(canto mi corazón)
 
Si me ves en un rincón con la sombra y el temor,
no te rías de mis pasos, ríete de mi dolor.
Que yo pierdo en la milonga, pero gano en la canción,
y en cada nota te acerco como un golpe de pasión.
 
Delfina, ay Delfina mi tango es para vos
Delfina, ay Delfina te nombro con amor
Yo nunca haré contigo la vuelta del salón
pero canto, Delfina, canto mi corazón
(Delfina)
(canto mi corazón)

Delfina My Darling

Delfina, my dear, I dance very poorly.
My steps get tangled up like a dog passing by.
You spin like water, while I stumble with every step.
And yet, when I look at you, I feel the urge to sing.
 
Don't ask me for a graceful waist, nor for a soaring flourish.
My soul is twisted, and my feet are made for tripping.
But I have this voice, as true as metal;
and if my hands cannot reach you, my voice surely will.
 
Delfina, oh Delfina, my tango is for you.
Delfina, oh Delfina, I speak your name with love.
I will never lead you around the dance floor,
but I sing, Delfina—I sing my heart out.
(Delfina)
(I sing my heart out)
 
The orchestra grows old, the dance floor drifts to sleep.
And I remain in my clumsiness, unable to redeem myself.
I trip over my own dreams; I laugh at myself.
But when you say "hello," my future falls into place.
 
Your name gives me courage; it teaches me to endure.
If my body cannot follow you, my heart surely will.
 
I wasn't born for fancy footwork, nor for seduction.
I am just a man in shoes that seem eager to walk away.
But there is something in your gaze that compels me to persist;
and if the dance defeats me, my voice will bring you to life.
 
Delfina, oh Delfina, my tango is for you.
Delfina, oh Delfina, I speak your name with love.
I will never lead you around the dance floor,
but I sing, Delfina— I sing my heart out.
(Delfina)
(I sing my heart out)
 
If you see me in a corner,amidst the shadows and the fear,
do not laugh at my steps— laugh, instead, at my pain.
Though I may lose on the dance floor, I win within the song;
and with every note, I draw you near like a sudden surge of passion.
 
Delfina—oh, Delfina—my tango is for you.
Delfina—oh, Delfina—I speak your name with love.
I will never take you for a turn around the floor;
but I sing, Delfina—I sing my heart to you.
(Delfina)
(I sing my heart out)

\\

El Gato! - Canto el Tango

A while back, we here at Big and Tall Records got a call from  the Mariachi group that records for us, Un Grupo de Mexicali. They remembered we had mentioned that we were in the market for a Tango band, and they knew of a bonafide Tango and Milonga band in Buenos Aires, Argentina. We had quite a long conversation, and they assured us we would not be disappointed if we wanted to check them out. They had heard the group in person once when they were on a tour of South America, and they were blown away. They told us that every player in the group is not only a talented instrumentalist, but a more than competent vocalist! 

A recommendation like that from Un Grupo de Mexicali was good enough for us to send an associate that is fluent in Spanish to Buenos Aires to check them out with the added authority to sign them to a contract. He did better than that! He signed them, found a recording studio in the city that could make room in their schedule to record. Our agent brought back an album of 5 Tangoes, all original. El Gato insisted that the groups premiere release eshould be a 5-song album, something we've not done before. New artists generally have a first release as one song, but our agent told us El Gato was very convincing (and adamant) that it be an album. He also brought back a very lengthy, detailed report about the group and details about their leader, the man they call El Gato! and the rest of the players You can find the report here and the Interview With El Gato, Part One here, and part Two of the interview here. For profiles of the band members, go here

Beso de Luna - Moonlit Kiss
 
Us ojos me miran mi cuerpo te siente
Un paso un suspiro La noche se enciende
 
Your eyes gaze at me The night itself ignites
First a step, then a sigh The night itself ignites
 
Beso de luna Piel con piel
Mi fortuna Sabor a miel
 
Moonlit kiss Skin against skin
My fortune A taste of honey
 
Tu mano me busca mi cintura se arquea
El ritmo nos junta la pasión no se niega
 
Your hand seeks me out My waist arches
The rhythm draws us together Passion cannot be denied
 
Beso de luna Piel con piel
Mi fortuna Sabor a miel
 
Moonlit kiss Skin against skin
My fortune A taste of honey
 
No hay tiempo no hay nada Solo este momento
Alma entregada Puro sentimiento
 
There is no time, there is nothing Only this moment
Soul surrendered Pure emotion
 
Beso de luna Piel con piel
Mi fortuna Sabor a miel
 
A kiss by moonlight Skin against skin
My great fortune,  taste of honey again
 
 
Ya Canto el Tango - I Sing The Tango
 
Yo canto el tango  porque es mi salvación
si me invitan a bailarlo  yo pido explicación
Se me enreda la cola con tanta distinción
y hago una reverencia que termina en empujón
 
(¡Ay, qué desastre!)
Me sale el corazón
 
I sing the tango because it is my salvation
if they invite me to dance it I ask for an explanation
My tail gets tangled up with so much distinction
and I make a bow that ends in a shove
 
(Oh, what a disaster!)
My heart jumps out of my chest
 
Yo giro, tropiezo me pierdo al marcar
tu suela me mira como queriendo juzgar
Si doy un paso serio me sale otro fatal
Dicen que el gato cae de pie pero yo caigo fatal
 
I spin, I stumble I get lost when keeping the beat
your shoe sole looks at me as if wanting to judge
If I take a serious step the next one is fatal
They say a cat lands on his feet but I fall catastrophically
 
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(porque bailar, no, no, no)
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(y me sale mejor así)
Un bandoneón me salva cuando empiezo a caer
yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
 y me quedo de pie
 
I sing the tango I sing the tango
 (because dancing? No, no, no)
I sing the tango I sing the tango
 (and it turns out better for me this way)
A bandoneon saves me when I start to fall
I sing the tango I sing the tango
and I stay on my feet
 
Anoche en la milonga quedé por aparentar
me puse cara de héroe y me fui de cola al bar
La dama me dijo suave"¿usted sabe caminar?"
le dije "sé una cosa: sé sufrir y sé cantar"
(¡Qué elegancia!)
No miento, soy así
 
Last night at the milonga I showed up just to keep up appearances
I put on my hero face and fell tail-first into the bar
The lady said to me softly, "Do you know how to walk?"
I told her, "I know one thing: I know how to suffer and I know how to sing"
(What elegance!)
I'm not lying, that's just how I am
 
Intento un giro noble me gana la balanza
mi sombra va de frente mi cuerpo va con demora
Si hago media vuelta rompo la porcelana
y el maestro de pista ya me persigue con la cara
 
I attempt a noble turn gravity wins the balance game
 my shadow goes forward my body lags behind
If I do a half-turn I break the porcelain
and the floor manager is already chasing me with "the look"
 
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(porque bailar, no, no, no)
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(y me sale mejor así)
Un bandoneón me salva cuando empiezo a caer
yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
y me quedo de pie
 
I sing the tango I sing the tango
(because dancing? No, no, no)
I sing the tango I sing the tango
(and it turns out better for me this way)
A bandoneon saves me when I start to fall
I sing the tango I sing the tango
and I stay on my feet
 
Si tú quieres verme hacerlo de verdad
ponme una silla cerca y un vaso para afinar
Yo hago el drama entero la pose, la intensidad
pero al primer dos-cuatro me pierdo en la mitad
(Señor bandoneón) No me deje rodar
 
If you want to see me really do it right
put a chair near me and a glass to tune my voice
I'll do the whole drama the pose, the intensity
but at the first two-four time signature
I get lost right in the middle
(Mr. Bandoneon) Don't let me fall
 
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(porque bailar, no, no, no)
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(y me sale mejor así)
Si el suelo se complica yo lo dejo caer
yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
y me quedo de pie
Yo canto el tango yo canto el tango
(porque bailar, no, no, no)
 
I sing the tango I sing the tango
(because dancing? No, no, no)
I sing the tango I sing the tango
(and it turns out better for me this way)
If the floor gets complicated I just let it fall
I sing the tango I sing the tango
and I stay on my feet
I sing the tango I sing the tango
(because dancing? No, no, no)
 
Vuelve el Patio  -  The Courtyard Memory
 
Yo guardo la llave de aquel patio azul,
donde tu risa me volvía luz.
La ropa en el alambre, la tarde en flor,
y en la mesa vieja tu voz y mi amor.
 
Ay, cómo duele volver a mirar,
todo tan cerca tan lejos ya.
 
I hold the key to that blue courtyard,
where your laughter turned me into light.
Clothes on the line, the afternoon in bloom,
and on the old table, your voice and my love.
 
Oh, how it hurts to look back again—
everything so near, yet now so far away.
 
Vuelve el patio, vuelve el ayer
Vuelve en mi pecho tu modo de ser
Vuelve el patio vuelve a nacer
Todo lo que fuimos y ya no es
 
The courtyard returns, yesterday returns;
within my heart returns the essence of you.
The courtyard returns, it is born anew—
everything we once were, and are no more.
 
Baila la memoria sobre el mantel,
tengo en las manos polvo de papel.
La radio en silencio, la puerta también,
y yo te nombro como la primera vez.
 
Ay, cómo tiemblan mis ganas de hablar,
si en cada esquina te vuelvo a encontrar.
 
Memory dances across the tablecloth;
in my hands, I hold nothing but paper dust.
The radio is silent, the door is silent too;
and I speak your name just like the very first time.
 
Oh, how my urge to speak begins to tremble,
when at every corner I find you once again.
 
Vuelve el patio, vuelve el ayer
vuelve en mi pecho tu modo de ser
Vuelve el patio, vuelve a nacer
todo lo que fuimos y ya no es
 
The courtyard returns, yesterday returns;
within my heart returns the essence of you.
The courtyard returns, it is born anew—
everything we once were, and are no more.
 
Si cierro los ojos te oigo llegar,
con tus zapatos golpeando el umbral.
Y aunque la vida me quiera llevar,
yo me quedo aquí para recordar.
 
If I close my eyes, I hear you arriving—
the sound of your shoes tapping against the threshold.
And though life itself may try to pull me away,
I remain right here, simply to remember.
 
Vuelve el patio vuelve el ayer
vuelve en mi pecho tu modo de ser
Vuelve el patio, vuelve a nacer
todo lo que fuimos y ya no es
 
The courtyard returns, yesterday returns;
within my heart returns the essence of you.
The courtyard returns, it is born anew—
everything we once were, and are no more.
 
Baila Conmigo - Dance With Me
 
Te vi entrar con tu vestido al viento
y el salón se quedó sin aliento
Tu risa me llamó  desde la mesa del fondo
y yo dejé mi pena apoyada en un hombro
 
I saw you enter with your dress flowing in the breeze,
and the whole room was left breathless.
Your laughter called out to me from the table in the back,
and I left my sorrow resting upon a shoulder.
 
Dame la mano vení más cerca
que esta noche larga pide tu vuelta
Si me mirás así se me desarma todo
y en un paso tuyo me pierdo yo solo
 
Give me your hand,come a little closer,
for this long night  begs for your return.
If you look at me like that, I completely fall apart;
and with just a single step of yours, I lose myself entirely.
 
Baila conmigo toda la noche
Baila conmigo que nadie nos roce
Baila conmigo pegada a mi pecho
Baila conmigo y olvido el resto
 
Dance with me all through the night.
Dance with me— let no one brush against us.
Dance with me, pressed tight against my chest.
Dance with me, and I forget the rest.
 
Suda el salón late la madera
tu pollera dibuja una frontera
Yo te sigo el pulso sin hacer preguntas
porque en tu cintura se me ordena la ruta
 
The room grows warm with sweat,the wooden floorboards pulse;
your skirt traces out a boundary between us.
I follow your rhythm without asking questions,
for in the curve of your waist, my path becomes clear.
 
Tu perfume queda sobre mi camisa
y en cada giro tuyo la pena se me va de prisa
 
Your perfume lingers upon my shirt,
and with every turn you take, my sorrow quickly fades away.
 
Dame la mano vení conmigo
que el mundo afuera ya quedó dormido
Si me buscás la boca yo te la contesto
con un beso corto y un abrazo abierto
 
Give me your hand, come along with me,
for the world outside has already fallen asleep.
If you seek my lips,I will answer you
with a brief kiss and an open embrace.
 
Baila conmigo toda la noche
Baila conmigo que nadie nos roce
Baila conmigo pegada a mi pecho
Baila conmigo y olvido el resto
 
Dance with me all through the night.
Dance with me— let no one brush against us.
Dance with me,pressed tight against my chest.
Dance with me, and I forget the rest.
 
Cuando amanezca que nos encuentre juntos
con los zapatos gastados y el corazón al punto
Si todo se apaga quedate en mi centro
yo te guardo esta vuelta como un fuego lento
 
When dawn breaks let it find us still together—
our shoes worn thin, our hearts beating in perfect time.
If all the lights go out, stay right here at my center;
I will cherish this moment with you like a slow, smoldering fire.
 
Baila conmigo toda la noche
Baila conmigo que nadie nos roce
Baila conmigo pegada a mi pecho
Baila conmigo para siempre, mi tiempo
 
Dance with me all through the night.
Dance with me—let no one brush against us.
Dance with me,pressed tight against my chest.
Dance with me—forever, my love.
 
Camaleón Fernet  -  Fernet Chameleon
 
Yo canto el tango ya lo saben bien
Muevo la lengua como un tren.
Pero esta noche en el bodegón
Me encontré con un negro camaleón.
Fernet con coca un vaso dos
Y la garganta... ¡perdió la voz
 
I sing the tango you all know it well
I move my tongue like a train.
But tonight in the tavern
I crossed paths with a black chameleon.
Fernet and Coke one glass, two
And my throat has lost its voice!
 
Ya lo s-siento en el paladar
¡Che, bandoneón dejá de girar!
La letra era triste de puro dolor
Pero m'está f-fallando el motor.
¿Era "mi barrio"o era "mi barro"?
¡S'me pegan los dientes parezco un cacharro!
 
I can already f-feel it on my palate. Hey, bandoneon stop spinning!
The lyrics were sad, pure heartbreak. But my engine is f-failing me.
Was it "my neighborhood"or was it "my mud"?
My teeth are sticking together... Like covered in crud!
 
¡Ferné' de coca m'hace f-fataaaal!
El tango se f-fue ¡un desastre total!
Quise cantar como Gardel
 Y m'estoy cayendo de la pared.
 
Fernet and Coke is f-fatal for me!
The tango is g-gone a total disaster!
I wanted to sing like Carlos Gardel...
And I'm falling down right off the wall.
 
¡Hic! ¡Salud! ¡Watch out!
Yo m'quedo  de pie… ¡Ssss-tá l-listo!
 
Hiccup! Cheers!  Watch out!
I stay on my feet It's r-ready!...