Lyrics
Oh the tango is done with a thin black moustache,
The tango is characterized by a man with a thin black mustache, wearing a wide scarlet sash, black boots, and holding a whip.
a wide scarlet sash, black boots and a whip
Continuation of the description of the tango dancer's attire and accessories.
Or the tango is done with seafaring trash,
Alternatively, the tango can be performed by rough and careless individuals, possibly sailors recently disembarked from a ship.
callous and brash, fresh off the ship
Further elaboration on the unconventional and brash characteristics of those performing the tango.
Or the tango is done as a dangerous dance,
Describing the tango as a dangerous dance with risky steps, where a misstep can lead to severe consequences.
a treacherous step and if one should trip
Emphasizing the treacherous nature of the tango and the potential for injury if a dancer were to trip.
The frail body breaks with a snap and a twist,
Imagery of a frail body breaking with a snap and a twist during the tango, resulting in a gold watch slipping onto a tattooed wrist.
And a gold watch slips onto a thick tattooed wrist
Continuation of the consequences of a misstep in the tango, symbolized by the gold watch and tattooed wrist.
And a gray merchant ship turns black in the sun,
Imagery of a merchant ship turning black in the sun after performing the tango, suggesting a transformation or change.
as it heaves to the East when the tango is done.
Describing the ship heaving to the East after completing the tango.
Butterflies mounted on fields of black velvet
Introduction of butterflies mounted on black velvet, arranged in glass trays.
Neatly arranged in gleaming glass trays
Imagery of neat and organized butterfly displays, possibly symbolizing the delicate and beautiful aspects of life.
One-eyed Etruscans play follow-the-leader
Reference to one-eyed Etruscans playing follow-the-leader around the edge of a vase, introducing a sense of mystery or ancient symbolism.
Forever around the edge of the vase
Continuation of the Etruscans' activity, forever circling the edge of the vase.
The phonograph's playing an old broken record
Mention of a phonograph playing an old broken record, specifically a tango, playing repeatedly.
A tango and over and over it plays
Emphasis on the repetition of the tango on the broken record.
Over it plays
-Over it plays
-A medieval tapestry hangs like a warning,
Description of a medieval tapestry serving as a warning, depicting a forest with a hunter taking aim.
A needlepoint forest of dark green and brown.
Reference to a needlepoint forest in dark green and brown.
The scene is the hunt, you will notice the hunter.
Focus on the hunting scene in the tapestry, with attention drawn to the hunter.
He takes careful aim as your eye travels down,
Continuation of the description of the tapestry, guiding the eye down to the real victim.
And finally rests upon the real victim,
Description of the victim lying still in a silk dressing gown, surrounded by peacocks and a bright scarlet sash.
Lying quite still in a silk dressing gown.
-Lying quite still at the edge of the carpet.
-One arm flung out for the peacocks to peck.
-Blending in well with the blue and green background
-Except for the bright scarlet sash round the neck
-He was a collector of beautiful strangers
Description of a person who collected beautiful strangers and lived a party-filled life until the end.
And life was a party right up to the end
Reflection on life as a continuous celebration, open to both love and its dangers.
The door always opened to love and loves dangers
Portrayal of the individual's welcoming attitude to love, even in the face of risks.
Though dead, a lover, a stranger, a friend
Despite being dead, the person is remembered as a lover, a stranger, and a friend.
Butterflies mounted on fields of black velvet
Repetition of the imagery of butterflies mounted on black velvet, neatly arranged in glass trays.
Neatly arranged in gleaming glass trays
Recurrence of the beautiful and delicate butterfly displays.
One-eyed Etruscans play follow-the-leader
Reiteration of one-eyed Etruscans playing follow-the-leader around the edge of a vase.
Forever around the edge of the vase
Continuation of the Etruscans' perpetual activity.
The phonograph's playing an old broken record
Reintroduction of the phonograph playing the old broken record of the tango, playing repetitively.
A tango and over and over it plays
Reemphasis on the continuous repetition of the tango on the broken record.
Over it plays
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