Si Soy Así

Carlos Gardel's 'Si Soy Así' is a tango song that delves into the persona of a charming, yet unfaithful man who seems to be at the mercy of his own nature. The lyrics, sung in Spanish, express a sense of resignation to his ways, particularly in his interactions with women. The phrase 'Si soy así, ¿Qué voy a hacer?' which translates to 'If I'm like this, what am I to do?' encapsulates the central theme of the song: a man acknowledging his irresistible attraction to women and his inability to remain faithful.

The song uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the protagonist's view of women and love. He compares women to 'peras en el árbol del amor' or 'pears on the tree of love,' suggesting that he sees them as objects of desire to be picked at will. The reference to 'polleras,' which means skirts, and the mention of 'viuditas,' 'casadas,' and 'solteras' (widows, married women, and single women) indicate that no type of woman is exempt from his attention. The use of 'porteños' eyes and 'cimbreador' waist, typical of Buenos Aires culture, adds a local flavor to the song, grounding it in the Argentinian tradition of tango.

Gardel's portrayal of this character is not one of pride but rather a candid confession of his flaws. The song's narrator seems to be aware of the pain his actions may cause, as he advises a woman not to take him seriously and to forget her infatuation with him. The repeated question 'Si soy así, ¿Qué voy a hacer?' suggests a sense of helplessness and inevitability, as if his behavior is predestined and beyond his control. The song is a classic example of the tango's often complex and emotionally charged narratives, where passion, regret, and a certain fatalism intertwine.