Pasional by Mario Soto

Pasional is a Tango written by Mario Soto and composed by Jorge Caldara.

Story behind the Tango Pasional

“Pasional” captures the intense emotions and turmoil associated with deep, unyielding love. The song’s lyrics speak of a love so profound that it borders on the brink of madness. The storyteller describes the experience of loving passionately, highlighting the agony and ecstasy of feeling love so deeply it causes both psychological and physical responses. It offers a narrative of adoration, desire, and the fear of loss, revealing how these emotions are interwoven into the speaker’s everyday existence.

Symbolism of Pasional

The language of “Pasional” brims with evocative symbolism and metaphor that deepens its emotional impact. Phrases such as “morir mil veces de ansiedad” (dying a thousand times of anxiety) and “estás clavada en mí” (you are nailed into me) use vivid imagery to express a visceral experience of love. These expressions suggest a love so intense that it’s almost torturous, piercing the speaker’s heart and consuming his peace of mind. Such imagery effectively conveys the blending of pleasure and pain that characterizes passionate love.

Pasional in Historic Context

The 1950s in Argentina were a period marked by political unrest and cultural flourishing. This period influenced “Pasional” to encapsulate a sense of dramatic emotion and urgency which mirrors the volatile socio-political climate. Yet, despite the surrounding instability, tango remained a profound expression of deeper, personal conflicts and passions, serving as an emotional outlet and a form of resistance against the harsh realities of life. The passionate intensity in “Pasional” can be seen as a reflection of the Argentine spirit during those tumultuous times.

Mario Soto

Mario Soto was a prominent lyricist in Argentina, who, with his deep and passionate lyrics, substantially contributed to the genre of Tango.