Contigo

Andrés Calamaro's song 'Contigo' delves into the complexities and paradoxes of love, rejecting conventional romantic norms and expressing a desire for a more intense, albeit destructive, connection. The lyrics begin by dismissing the idea of a 'civilized love' characterized by mundane routines and societal expectations. Calamaro's protagonist does not want a relationship defined by shared responsibilities, anniversaries, or domesticity. Instead, he yearns for a love that is raw, passionate, and all-consuming.

The recurring theme in the song is the rejection of ordinary life and the embrace of a love that is so intense it borders on the fatal. The lines 'Y morirme contigo si te matas, y matarme contigo si te mueres' (And die with you if you kill yourself, and kill myself with you if you die) highlight this desire for a love that transcends life itself. This sentiment is further emphasized by the phrase 'porque el amor cuando no muere mata, porque amores que matan, nunca mueren' (because love, when it doesn't die, kills, because loves that kill, never die). Here, Calamaro suggests that true love is either eternal or deadly, rejecting any middle ground.

Culturally, the song taps into the romanticized notion of tragic love, a theme prevalent in literature and music. The references to not wanting 'París con aguacero ni Venecia sin ti' (Paris in the rain or Venice without you) evoke iconic romantic settings, only to dismiss them as meaningless without the presence of the beloved. This reinforces the idea that love, in its truest form, is not about external circumstances but about an intense, almost obsessive connection between two people. Calamaro's musical style, often blending rock with tango and other Latin influences, adds a layer of emotional depth to the lyrics, making 'Contigo' a poignant exploration of love's darker, more passionate side.