Angustias

Carlos Gardel's song 'Angustias' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a man grappling with the pain of unforgiven love. The lyrics poignantly express the internal conflict of the protagonist, who is torn between his pride and his overwhelming sorrow. Despite his outward appearance of happiness, he is internally devastated by his inability to forgive, which is slowly consuming him. This duality of emotions is a common theme in tango music, reflecting the complexity of human relationships and the struggle between heart and mind.

The recurring motif of crying, as seen in the lines 'Llora, llora corazón, Llora si tienes por qué,' emphasizes the naturalness and necessity of expressing one's emotions. Gardel challenges the traditional notion of masculinity by suggesting that it is not a crime for a man to cry over a woman. This sentiment is particularly powerful in the context of early 20th-century Argentina, where tango originated and where societal expectations often dictated stoicism in men. Gardel's lyrics thus offer a more nuanced and compassionate view of male vulnerability.

The metaphor of the beach and the sea further enriches the song's narrative. The protagonist likens himself to the beach and his lover to the waves, illustrating the transient and fleeting nature of their relationship. She comes to him, offers affection, and then leaves, much like the waves that kiss the shore only to retreat back into the ocean. This imagery captures the bittersweet essence of their love, filled with moments of joy and inevitable separation. The song concludes with a note of resignation and a glimmer of hope, as the protagonist learns the 'consuelo de olvidar'—the solace of forgetting, suggesting that time may eventually heal his wounds.