Que Tango Hay Que Cantar
Valeria Lynch
The Heartfelt Dialogue Between a Singer and Her Bandoneón
Valeria Lynch's song "Que Tango Hay Que Cantar" is a poignant exploration of sorrow, longing, and the healing power of music. The lyrics depict a conversation between the singer and her bandoneón, a type of concertina integral to tango music. The bandoneón is personified, sharing in the singer's grief and heartbreak. This dialogue underscores the deep emotional connection between the musician and her instrument, suggesting that music can be a companion in times of sorrow.
The song references iconic figures in tango history, such as Carlos Gardel and Enrique Santos Discépolo, adding layers of cultural depth. Gardel, often considered the most important figure in the history of tango, symbolizes the pinnacle of the genre. The mention of a tango that Gardel never sang evokes a sense of lost potential and unfulfilled dreams. Discépolo, known for his melancholic and socially critical tangos, represents the lyrical and emotional depth that the singer seeks to tap into.
The recurring question, "Que tango hay que cantar?" (What tango should I sing?), reflects the search for a song that can adequately express the singer's pain. The bandoneón's shared experience of heartbreak, particularly the reference to Malena, a character from another famous tango, highlights the universality of sorrow and the solace found in shared suffering. The imagery of their combined sorrows making love suggests a profound, almost cathartic union of their emotional burdens, offering a glimmer of hope and healing through the act of singing and playing together.