Amor con amor se paga by Carlos Artagnan Petit

Amor con amor se paga is a Tango written by Carlos Artagnan Petit and composed by Rodolfo Sciammarella.

Story behind the Tango Amor con amor se paga

The title of this tango, “Amor con amor se paga,” translates as “Love is repaid with love,” which is a common saying that emphasizes reciprocity in emotional transactions. The lyrics poignantly invert this saying, revealing a personal narrative of unrequited love. Here, the protagonist laments that the love he has given is not returned in kind, introducing a theme of heartache and longing.

Symbolism of Amor con amor se paga

Key phrases such as “Amar… amar… Amar como estoy amando,” which translates to “Love… love… Love as I am loving,” highlight the depth of the narrator’s emotions. The repetition stresses the intense and continuous nature of his feelings. Another significant line, “Es vivir sin olvidar a la que me está olvidando,” or “It is living without forgetting the one who is forgetting me,” showcases the poignant irony of remembering someone who does not reciprocate that memory. This line, rich with emotional depth, encapsulates the despair and loyalty of unreciprocated love.

Amor con amor se paga in historic Context

Recorded during the mid-20th century in Argentina, a time when tango music often expressed the struggles, passions, and urban tales of everyday life. The lyrics reflect not only personal grief but also a broader sentiment of longing and loss prevalent in a society emerging from the shadows of World War II. In 1944, while global tensions created narratives of separation and loss in many artistic forms worldwide, tangos like “Amor con amor se paga” provided an outlet for expressing such deep, personal emotions in Argentina.

Carlos Artagnan Petit

Carlos Artagnan Petit was a prolific lyricist known for his contributions to the Argentine tango genre.