De Igual a Igual (feat. Julio Martel)
Alfredo de Angelis
The Torment and Sweetness of Love: A Deep Dive into 'De Igual a Igual'
In 'De Igual a Igual,' Alfredo de Angelis, featuring Julio Martel, delves into the complex emotions that come with deep, passionate love. The song's lyrics reveal a narrator who is overwhelmed by his feelings for his beloved, to the point where his love transforms into fear—fear of losing her. This fear is so consuming that it disrupts his peace of mind, making him both enamored and jealous. The juxtaposition of 'dulzura' (sweetness) and 'tormento' (torment) encapsulates the dual nature of his emotions, highlighting how love can be both a source of immense joy and profound anxiety.
The narrator's plea to God to forgive his selfishness underscores his desire for mutual feelings. He wishes for his beloved to experience the same emptiness and need for closeness when they are apart. This longing for reciprocity is a common theme in love songs, but here it is tinged with a sense of desperation. The narrator wants his beloved to feel the same fear of loss and jealousy that he does, believing that this shared vulnerability will bring them to a state of 'igual a igual' (equal to equal). This phrase suggests a balanced relationship where both partners are equally invested and equally fearful of losing each other.
Alfredo de Angelis, known for his contributions to the tango genre, often explores themes of love, loss, and longing in his music. 'De Igual a Igual' is no exception, offering a poignant look at the emotional highs and lows that come with loving someone deeply. The song's rich, emotive lyrics and haunting melody capture the essence of tango, a genre that thrives on expressing the complexities of human emotions. Through this song, de Angelis and Martel invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and the delicate balance of emotions that it entails.