In 1907, Villoldo traveled to Paris to record the song, helping to ignite the tango craze that eventually swept across Europe.
Though it began as an instrumental with no need for words, lyrics were eventually added by Antonio Polito and Carlos Pesce to match its popular appeal.
The song is instantly recognisable by its signature opening: four sharp, rhythmic knocks. These were intended to mimic a frustrated young man stomping his feet on a street corner.