Amar para qué by Enrique Lary

Amar para qué is a Tango written by Enrique Lary and composed by Enrique Alessio.

Story behind the Tango Amar para qué

The lyrics of “Amar para qué” articulate profound emotional suffering and despair experienced due to unrequited or betrayed love. The narrator questions the purpose of love, highlighting a journey filled with deception and abandonment that leads to a life overshadowed by sorrow. The repetition of phrases like “Amar, ¿amar para qué?” signifies a cycle of unending pain, suggesting that love has only brought darkness without the promised light and faith.

Symbolism of Amar para qué

In “Amar para qué,” various symbolic elements are utilized to deepen the emotional experience. The ‘estrella’, or star, represents an unattainable hope or ideal, which, despite being sought after, remains out of reach, symbolizing disillusionment. The contrast between light (‘luz’) and darkness (‘tinieblas’) serves to underscore the chasm between expectation and reality in matters of love. Furthermore, the relentless questioning – “Amar, ¿amar para qué?” emphasizes a relentless search for justification, highlighting the existential agony of loving without fulfillment.

Amar para qué in historic Context

Released in 1959 in Argentina, “Amar para qué” is a reflection of the traditional Tango culture, which often delves into themes of love, loss, and fatalism. During this era, Tango was not just a dance but a medium for expressing the deepest of human emotions and societal reflections. The portrayal of romantic disillusionment may also mirror the socio-political climate of Argentina at the time, characterized by instability and rapid changes, leading to a broader sense of disorientation and disenchantment among the populace.

Enrique Lary

Enrique Lary was renowned for his contributions to the genre of Tango, particularly through his poignant and evocative lyrics that often explored themes of love, betrayal, and existential angst.