Por tener un corazón by Francisco Gorrindo

Por tener un corazón is a Tango written by Francisco Gorrindo and composed by Rodolfo Biagi.

Story behind the Tango Por tener un corazón

“Por tener un corazón” portrays the journey of a soul burdened by a tragic love, manifesting themes of inner turmoil and obsessive devotion. The lyrics describe a path that inevitably leads to harm, influenced by a figure akin to Aphrodite, leading the speaker towards disastrous consequences. The metaphor of carrying a cross and the repeated references to guilt emphasize a sense of inescapable fate and emotional suffering tied to possessing a heart capable of deep feeling.

Symbolism of Por tener un corazón

The song is rich in symbols; the sun that burns too brightly represents dangerous passions that can destroy one. The “torbellino”, or whirlwind of passion, underscores the chaotic, uncontrollable nature of the emotions involved. The repeated chant-like invocation of a loved one’s name as a “prayer” suggests an almost sacred reverence for the beloved, which binds the speaker in a spell (“Dulce brujería”). The notion of a curse by Satan and the mention of blasphemy (“negación de Dios”) drive home the idea of a love so intense it borders on the sacrilegious or taboo.

Por tener un corazón in historic Context

The Tango was written and recorded in Argentina in 1951, a period marked by political upheaval and the rise of Juan Perón. This era, characterized by its particularly passionate and nationalistic fervor, parallels the intense emotions described in the Tango. The period’s tension and drama could be felt in the arts, where themes of fate, love, and despair were common. The historical backdrop may have influenced Gorrindo’s portrayal of love as an overwhelming force leading to personal and spiritual crisis.

Francisco Gorrindo

Francisco Gorrindo was a renowned lyricist in the Argentine Tango scene, known for his deep and emotive lyrics.