Pensálo Bien
Carlos Gardel
The Price of Ambition: A Reflection on Love and Choices
Carlos Gardel's song "Pensálo Bien" is a poignant reflection on the choices we make in life, particularly when it comes to love and ambition. The lyrics are a heartfelt plea from a lover urging their partner to reconsider a path driven by blind ambition. Gardel, known for his deep, emotive voice and significant contributions to the tango genre, uses this song to explore the tension between material success and emotional fulfillment.
The song opens with a direct appeal to the listener to think carefully about their decisions. The lover warns that ambition can be blinding and urges their partner to listen to their heart. The line "Pensá que juventud y amor te di" (Think that I gave you youth and love) highlights the sacrifices made in the name of love, emphasizing the depth of their emotional investment. The lover fears that their partner is falling for a deceptive allure, forgetting the genuine love they share.
Gardel's lyrics also delve into the societal expectations placed on women, as seen in the lines "Qué sacás con ser patrona de un bulín / Y ganarlo a todo lujo y sin amor" (What do you gain by being the mistress of a place / And earning it all in luxury without love). The song critiques the idea of trading love for material gain, suggesting that such choices ultimately lead to a hollow existence. The lover's plea is for their partner to remain true to their heart and not sell their soul for fleeting pleasures.
In essence, "Pensálo Bien" is a timeless reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself and the value of genuine love over superficial success. Gardel's emotive delivery and the song's lyrical depth make it a powerful commentary on the human condition and the choices we face in life.