Tengo un Candombre Para Gardel
Ruben Rada Lyrics

The lyrics of Rubén Rada's song "Tengo un Candombe para Gardel" are a tribute to the legendary tango singer Carlos Gardel. The singer speaks of his fond memories of Gardel, whom he saw as a source of happiness during a difficult and impoverished time. The artist describes Gardel's impeccable style, with a charming smile as white as a carnation and a stylish hat. The singer longed to hear Gardel perform candombes, but unfortunately, that never happened. As a result, the singer and his friends took to singing Gardel's tangos on the street corners with the rhythm of candombes, impressing even passers-by like the woman who compliments the tambourine player but who laments the heat in April.

The song is not merely about Gardel, but it also serves as an ode to the Candombe style of Afro-Uruguayan music that comes from the Montevideo area. Candombe is a drum-based musical genre that was originated in African traditions and is now a fundamental aspect of Uruguayan culture, where it is celebrated annually with vibrant performances. Candombe can be heard in this song not only with the associated rhythm and style of music they sing it in the street corners but also by the inclusion of everyday elements from the streets.