Hágame El Favor
Carlos Gardel
A Serenade to Modern Masculinity: Carlos Gardel's 'Hágame El Favor'
Carlos Gardel's 'Hágame El Favor' is a fascinating exploration of modern masculinity and emotional resilience. The song's protagonist addresses accusations of cowardice and lack of strength, asserting that he is not as weak as others might think. The lyrics suggest a man who is unbothered by the departure of a lover, emphasizing his calm demeanor and refusal to be consumed by jealousy or rage. This attitude reflects a shift from traditional displays of male bravado to a more composed and self-assured form of masculinity.
The song delves into the protagonist's philosophy on relationships, particularly his nonchalant approach to romantic loss. He questions the need to fight over a woman who has chosen to leave, indicating that he sees no value in clinging to someone who has moved on. This perspective is further highlighted by his admission that he was never one to act impulsively or aggressively. Instead, he embraces a more relaxed and detached attitude, suggesting that he was 'born tired' and thus, not inclined to dramatic displays of emotion.
Gardel's lyrics also touch on the idea of self-worth and personal pride. The protagonist claims to belong to a 'new class' of men who live like sultans, always having multiple romantic options to avoid feeling the sting of rejection. This modern take on masculinity is characterized by a sense of abundance and self-sufficiency, where emotional stability is maintained through a pragmatic approach to love and relationships. The song ultimately portrays a man who values his own peace of mind over societal expectations of how a man should react to romantic disappointment.