Yo también carrero fui by Héctor Marcó

Yo también carrero fui is a Tango written and composed by Héctor Marcó.

Story behind the Tango Yo también carrero fui

“Yo también carrero fui,” translated to “I was a cartman too,” is a nostalgic remembrance of the past life of a cartman, one who drove horse-drawn carts, narrated with pride and a deep sense of identity. Set in Argentina, the protagonist reflects on his experiences, love affairs, and transformations life has brought upon him. He recounts his robust interactions with his horses and the romantic entanglements with various women who awaited him, signifying his vibrant young days contrasted with his present changed status.

Symbolism of Yo también carrero fui

This tango is rich in symbolism, with the cart (“chata”) and horses representing the journey of life and the burdens as well as joys one carries. The direct reference to women like Manuela, Rosa, Elvira, Inés, and Leonor, and their harboring a flower of his affection symbolizes the enduring impact of brief, yet profound, interactions. The “bache de penas,” translating to “pothole of sorrows,” metaphorically signifies hardships that have sunk him deeply, impacting his journey.

Yo también carrero fui in historic Context

Recorded in 1946, shortly after World War II, this tango might reflect the socio-economic shifts and the cultural transformations taking place in Argentina. During this time, Argentina was facing significant changes, including industrialization and urbanization, which alluded to the fading of traditional roles like that of a cartman. This backdrop intensifies the narrator’s longing for the past, highlighting the transitional phase from the old to the new, from rural to increasingly urban, and from traditional masculinity to modern complexities.

Héctor Marcó

Héctor Marcó was an influential Tango lyricist and composer, known for his deep, narrative style and ability to encapsulate Argentine culture in his compositions.