Si yo la quiero by Carlos Bahr

Si yo la quiero is a Tango written by Carlos Bahr and composed by José Di Pilato.

Story behind the Tango Si yo la quiero

The poignant lyrics of “Si yo la quiero” reflect a deep-seated pain and emotional struggle conveyed through the voice of the bandoneón, an instrument synonymous with tango music. The narrator is overwhelmed by a sense of sorrow and loss, as the music evokes memories and the presence of a loved one who is presumably absent. This emotional battle is fought between a desire to forget and a helpless longing for the return of this beloved, setting a narrative of love, remembrance, and heartache.

Symbolism of Si yo la quiero

The bandoneón in “Si yo la quiero” not only provides the musical backdrop but also symbolizes the voice of the narrator’s inner turmoil. Its “voice” that “makes one want to cry” manifests as an external expression of the narrator’s internal state, blurring the lines between musician and instrument. Phrases like “Hoy tu voz… Da ganas de llorar” (Today your voice… makes one want to cry) and “está muy triste hoy” (is very sad today) underscore the synchronicity between the musician’s feelings and the sounds produced by the bandoneón.

Si yo la quiero in historic Context

Recorded in 1949, post-World War II Argentina was a nation steering through significant political and social changes, which subtly infiltrated the tango scene. During this era, tango was not just a dance but a narrative medium that mirrored the societal mood—often melancholic and reflective. The profound melancholy in “Si yo la quiero” captures this pervasive sentiment, resonating with a population recovering from the war’s aftermath and possibly dealing with personal loss and economic hardship.

Carlos Bahr

Carlos Bahr was an influential Argentine lyricist known for his deep and evocative tango lyrics.