Caprichosa
Carlos Gardel
The Yearning Heart of a Romantic Troubadour
Carlos Gardel's song 'Caprichosa' is a heartfelt plea from a lover to his beloved, a Portuguese woman who seems to be playing hard to get. The song opens with the singer expressing his confusion and frustration over why she listens attentively to his love song but refuses to reciprocate his feelings with a simple kiss. This sets the stage for a narrative filled with longing and a touch of desperation, as he implores her to stop being capricious and finally say 'yes' to his advances.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a romantic dream, where the singer has a 'nest' in Portugal, a place that has been abandoned but is ready to be filled with love and music. He invites his beloved to join him there, promising that they will always hear the soulful strains of a fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre known for its expressive and melancholic character. This imagery not only highlights his deep affection but also his desire to share a life filled with cultural richness and emotional depth.
Gardel's plea becomes more urgent as he reminds his beloved that time is fleeting and opportunities may not come again. He emphasizes his unwavering love, stating that he will love her until his dying day. The repetition of the chorus, where he begs her to stop being capricious and give him her love, underscores the intensity of his emotions. The song beautifully captures the essence of unrequited love and the hope that one day, the object of his affection will finally reciprocate his feelings.