Qué cosas tiene la vida by Roberto Lambertucci

Qué cosas tiene la vida is a Tango written by Roberto Lambertucci and composed by Enrique Munné.

Story behind the Tango Qué cosas tiene la vida

The lyrics of “Qué cosas tiene la vida” delve deep into a narrative of profound sadness and despair brought on by unrequited love. The speaker describes enduring “las horas más amargas,” the most bitter hours, a phrase that repeats to emphasize the depth of his torment. There is a palpable sense of hopelessness, echoed in the line “he perdido hasta el valor para seguir viviendo,” where he admits losing the courage even to live. The theme of emotional abandonment is vivid, portraying a dark night of the soul caused by cherished dreams becoming empty, vanished in the remorse of lost love.

Symbolism of Qué cosas tiene la vida

The song uses expressive symbolism to deepen the emotional impact. “Llanto negro que envenena” (black tears that poison) metaphorically signifies the toxic nature of his sorrow, corrupting his spirit and life. This imagery of darkness and toxicity continues with “martillazo de una pena,” likening his pain to being struck by a hammer—sudden and demolishing. The repeating line “Qué cosas tiene la vida, cómo cambia nuestro corazón” reflects on life’s unpredictabilities and its ability to alter our hearts profoundly. Here, the life’s unforeseen twists turn passionate love into a painful memory, highlighting the fragile nature of human emotions and attachments.

Qué cosas tiene la vida in historic Context

Recorded in 1946, post-World War II Argentina was undergoing significant social and economic transformations. This period saw the rise of Juan Perón and a growing national sentiment that emphasized justice and social welfare. The emotional turmoil and desolation expressed in “Qué cosas tiene la vida” may subtly resonate with the broader existential and socio-economic uncertainties of the era. The tango’s mournful tone and exploration of lost hopes could be mirroring the collective anxieties of a recovering nation, making the personal also universally resonant within its cultural context.

Roberto Lambertucci

Roberto Lambertucci was a prolific lyricist in Argentine Tango, known for his evocative and deeply stirring texts.