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Por qué

Por qué is a Tango written by Osvaldo Fresedo and recorded by Osvaldo Fresedo in 1931. The Tango Por qué is written by Osvaldo Fresedo, Osvaldo Fresedo has recorded Por qué with the singer Teófilo Ibáñez.
“Por qué,” which translates to “Why” in English, is a haunting tango that dances with the heart’s deepest inquiries. Its melody sways through a labyrinth of longing, each note posing an unanswerable question to fate. As the music unfolds, it gently tugs at the invisible threads of love and loss, searching for answers within its soulful embrace.

Tango

Style

Osvaldo Fresedo

Orchestra

Teófilo Ibáñez

Singer

Emilio Fresedo

Author

Osvaldo Fresedo

Composer

1931/1/1

Date

Teófilo Ibáñez
Teófilo Ibáñez
Osvaldo Fresedo
Osvaldo Fresedo

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Lyrics Translation of the Tango Por qué

This is the translation of the Tango “Por qué” from Spanish to English. The English lyrics of the Tango “Por qué” have been done with AI.

Letra del Tango Por qué

¿Por qué
si yo soy el mismo querés cambiar
mi pilcha ‘e varón?
¿Por qué
si mi pobre ajuar
dio a cantar
mi honda tristeza?
¿Por qué
si no está en mi sangre vos me adornás
p’ hacerme amargar?

Yo soy milonga
sentimental.
Mi nombre es macho
soy el gotán.
Vestí de negro con funyi claro…
Y me quisieron.
Me respetaron.
Y fue muy pura mi vida entera
y hay quien venera mi cuna de ayer.

¿Por qué
quieren que me vista tan ataviao
con tanto trenzao?
¿Por qué
quieren verme así
hecho un gil
de fantasía?
¿Por qué
si he nacido tango y así latió
mi gran corazón?

English lyrics of the Tango "Por qué"

Why
if I am still the same, do you want to change
my manly outfit?
Why
if my humble attire
gave voice
to my deep sadness?
Why
if it’s not in my blood, do you dress me up
to make me bitter?

I am sentimental
milonga.
My name is masculine
I am the tango.
Dressed in black with a light hat…
And I was loved.
I was respected.
And my whole life was very pure
and there are those who venerate my yesterday’s cradle.

Why
do they want me to dress so lavishly
with so much braid?
Why
do they want to see me like this
made a fool
of fantasy?
Why
if I was born tango and thus my
great heart throbbed?

Por qué by Emilio Fresedo

Por qué is a Tango written by Emilio Fresedo and composed by Osvaldo Fresedo.



Story behind the Tango Por qué

The Tango “Por qué” reflects a deep and personal narrative of remaining true to one’s roots amidst external pressures to change. The lyrics speak to a soulful dialogue, questioning why there is an expectation to alter appearance and essence. It expresses the protagonist’s confusion and resistance against changing their traditional ‘macho’ and ‘milonga’ identity, which are significant to their personal and cultural identity.



Symbolism of Por qué

The symbolic use of clothing (‘mi pilcha ‘e varón’ and ‘vestí de negro’) signifies the protagonist’s individual identity and cultural heritage which they are being asked to change. ‘Milonga’ and ‘macho’, are key phrases symbolizing traditional Argentine values of masculinity and the musical style embodying Argentine folklore. The contrast between the cherished old (“fue muy pura mi vida entera”) and the flashy new attire reveals a conflict between authentic living and superficial appearance. The heart’s pulse (‘mi gran corazón’) symbolizes the deep-seated emotional and cultural connections that define and drive the protagonist’s existence.



Por qué in Historic Context

Recorded in 1931 in Argentina, “Por qué” was created during a period of significant cultural and social evolution in the country. This era saw a cosmopolitan influence on traditional Argentine customs, where aspects of European culture were becoming fashionable. The Tango addresses the tension between preserving traditional Argentine values and embracing modern influences, reflecting broader societal debates about identity and authenticity. The year marks a struggle within the Argentine society on whether to maintain the ‘old’ or to blend with the ‘new’, depicted vividly through the transformation of Tango from its roots to a more stylized dance form.



Emilio Fresedo

Emilio Fresedo was an influential Argentine lyricist known for his contributions to Tango music, often collaborating with his brother Osvaldo Fresedo, a renowned composer and bandoneon player.