Tango querido
Horacio Ferrer
The Soulful Elegy of Tango: A Tribute to Life's Passions and Pains
Horacio Ferrer's 'Tango querido' is a heartfelt ode to the essence of tango, a genre deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Argentina. The song paints a vivid picture of tango as a faithful companion, a witness to the passions and sorrows of life. Ferrer personifies tango, attributing it with the ability to sing about the highs and lows of human existence, from the joys of love to the struggles of the marginalized. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia, as tango becomes a voice for those who have been forgotten or overlooked, singing about the 'parias de la hambruna y de la fe' (the outcasts of hunger and faith) and the 'amigos adorados que no están' (beloved friends who are no longer here).
The song delves into the duality of life, capturing both the 'paraíso y el infierno en la ciudad' (paradise and hell in the city). Ferrer uses tango as a metaphor for the complexities of urban life, where beauty and pain coexist. The lyrics also highlight the social and political commentary inherent in tango, as it sings about the 'antiguos cambalaches del poder' (old power swaps) and the 'gauchada del hermano en buena ley' (the good deeds of a brother in good faith). This reflects tango's role as a voice for the common people, addressing issues of social justice and solidarity.
Ferrer’s portrayal of tango as a 'pensador sin dueño' (a thinker without an owner) and an 'adolescente de los grises' (an adolescent of the grays) emphasizes its timeless and universal nature. Tango is depicted as a resilient and introspective entity, bearing the scars of life's experiences yet continuing to sing with passion. The song's recurring question, '¿quién te enseñó a cantar con tanta pasión?' (who taught you to sing with such passion?), underscores the deep emotional connection that tango has with its listeners. It is a celebration of tango's enduring spirit and its ability to convey the profound emotions of the human condition.