Sing along with the singers and musicians
Dwi wedi blino, beth yw’r ots? (I’m tired, what does it matter?)
Dwi wedi blino, beth yw’r ots? (I’m tired, what does it matter?)
Dwi eisiau dawnsio’r tango, tango, tango tango (I want to dance the tango, tango, tango, tango)
Dwi eisiau dawnsio (I want to dance)
Mae eisiau bwyd arnaf i (I’m hungry)
Mae syched arnaf i (I’m thirsty)
Mae ofn arnaf i (I’m scared)
Mae peswch arnaf i (I have a cough)
I’m tired, I’m tired,
I’m tired, I’m tired
But still I feel like dancing the tango, tango, tango, tango
Yes, I feel like dancing
I’m hungry
I’m thirsty
I’m afraid
I have a cough
Tengo sueño, sin embargo (I’m sleepy, however)
Tengo sueño, sin embargo (I’m sleepy, however)
Tengo ganas de bailar el tango, tango, tango, tango (I feel like dancing the tango, tango, tango, tango)
Tengo ganas de bailar (I feel like dancing)
Tengo hambre (I’m hungry)
Tengo sed (I’m thirsty)
Tengo miedo (I’m scared)
Tengo tos (I have a cough)
Here’s a simple ‘how to’ guide to teaching and singing Tango’r Tengo in the classroom.
Tango’r Tengo is a lively multilingual song in Welsh, English and Spanish that builds into a tôn gron (musical round), with all three languages sung together. Learners begin by learning each part separately, before combining the different melodies and languages.
It’s a fun way to explore how languages work, including the fact that words and phrases don’t always translate directly from one language to another.
To build learners’ confidence in listening and singing in different languages, recognising similarities and differences between them, and listening to different words and melodies simultaneously.
Tango’r Tengo supports the Languages, Literacy and Communication Area of Learning and Experience, encouraging learners to make connections between Welsh, English and an international language while developing listening, communication and confidence.
Its combination of language, music, rhythm and movement also creates opportunities for creative, cross-curricular learning through the Expressive Arts.
Start with the Sing-Along video to familiarise yourself with the song, then watch the How To video for a simple guide to teaching it to your class.
Teach each language separately first. Once learners are confident, try singing two languages at the same time, before building up to the full tôn gron, with Welsh, English and Spanish sung together.
Alongside the Welsh and Spanish lyrics, we’ve provided direct translations in brackets to help learners understand the vocabulary and make connections between the three languages.
Please note: These are direct translations for vocabulary and understanding; they are not intended to be sung. Because words and phrases do not always translate exactly between languages, the sung versions may express the same idea differently.
Add some movement! Tango is traditionally a dramatic and expressive dance, so encourage pupils to create actions or movement to accompany the song. They can experiment with how music, language, rhythm and movement work together – and have fun performing it.