Esta Noche Me Emborracho
Carlos Gardel
The Bitter Taste of Lost Love and Regret: Carlos Gardel's 'Esta Noche Me Emborracho'
Carlos Gardel's 'Esta Noche Me Emborracho' is a poignant tango that tells a story of heartbreak and disillusionment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who encounters his former lover in a state of decline, a stark contrast to the beauty and allure she once possessed. The song's title, which translates to 'Tonight I Get Drunk,' sets the tone for a narrative steeped in sorrow and the desire to escape painful memories through alcohol.
The protagonist reflects on the past, recalling how he was once madly in love with the woman, to the point of betraying his own values and sacrificing his honor for her. He laments the transformation of his once treasured love into a 'cascajo,' or wreckage, and expresses regret for the choices he made, including neglecting his mother and losing his moral compass. The encounter with his former lover is so devastating that he contemplates suicide, but instead, he resolves to drown his sorrows in drink to avoid the agony of his thoughts.
Gardel's performance of the song is imbued with the emotion characteristic of tango music, which often explores themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. The music complements the lyrics, creating a melancholic atmosphere that resonates with the listener. 'Esta Noche Me Emborracho' is not just a tale of personal regret; it also reflects the broader human experience of dealing with the consequences of our actions and the passage of time that spares no one from its effects.