Qué querés con ese loro by Manuel Romero

Qué querés con ese loro is a Tango written by Manuel Romero and composed by Enrique Delfino.

Story behind the Tango Qué querés con ese loro

The lyrics of “Qué querés con ese loro” narrate a tale of heartbreak and betrayal, painted with the brush of urban slang and wit. The storyteller speaks directly to a former lover who has abandoned them for another woman, described disparagingly as undesirable and unattractive. The recurring phrase “Qué querés con ese loro” which translates to “What do you want with that parrot?” is used metaphorically to question the lover’s choice, insinuating a downgrade in the narrator’s eyes.

Symbolism of Qué querés con ese loro

The song uses vivid, colorful language to draw unflattering comparisons between the new lover and various undesirable figures and objects. “Ese escuálido loro” or “that skinny parrot” serves as a central symbol, implying the woman is both talkative and unappealing. Descriptions like “un bagre” (a catfish) and visual cues like “ojeras muy pintadas de azulao” (heavily blue-painted dark circles) emphasize her unattractiveness and possibly deceitful nature, which enhances the emotional sting of betrayal for the original partner.

Qué querés con ese loro in historic Context

The tango was recorded on 1930-02-27, capturing an era in Argentine history where tango music often reflected societal attitudes and personal experiences. During this time, Buenos Aires was a melting pot of cultures and identities, and tangos like this one encapsulated everyday dramas, using colloquial language to mirror the voice of the common people. The lyrics not only depict personal betrayal but also subtly critique societal norms relating to beauty and relationships.

Manuel Romero

Manuel Romero was a prolific Argentine playwright and filmmaker, known for his contributions to the national cinema and theatre, often incorporating elements of tango culture into his works.