Song commentary
&
lyric translation
The story of Llorar por una mujer
Enrique Rodriguez was a skillful bandoneon player, a talented composer and innovative band leader who followed Donato and D’Arienzo’s traditional rhythmical style. At the same time, his style was a breakthrough: he played all music genres, introduced new instruments to tango and his repertoire consisted only of merry or romantic tunes. Dancers liked his style and the variety he brought to the dance floor, and his orchestra enjoyed a great popularity in the 40’s and 50’s.
Llorar por una mujer (to cry for a woman), with lyrics by Enrique Cadícamo is a fine example of Rodriguez’s talent as a composer.
With love being one of the most prevalent tango themes, it’s fair to say it’s been envisaged from every possible angle! Most tango songs either express the emotions of a heartbroken man: sadness, denial, anger, or try and explain why their lover left.
LLorar por una mujer is a little different in the sense that it gives a voice to a faithful friend who doesn’t focus on their friend’s love story, but rather gives advice to anyone in love. For this reason, the song feels very personal and easy to relate to: we all have been comforted by someone or have consoled a love-struck friend at some point in our lives…
Llorar por una mujer has been translated by Tanguito, Argentine Tango Academy in London. We hope you enjoy this translation. If you have any comments, don’t hesitate to drop us a line.
Old school milongueros say it’s easier to fully interpret a tango song when you know the lyrics. So, we have translated and commented over 35 of the most beautiful and famous tango songs. Browse our translations and enjoy the stronger connexion with the music.
And if you are tempted to join us, why not try our Argentine tango classes in London or browse our library of online classes?
The song
You can view the video to listen to the music and read the translation at the same time or read the translation at the bottom of this page.
The lyrics of Llorar por una mujer
in Spanish & English
Llorar por una mujerConozco muchos que |
To cry for a womanI know many who |
| Llorar, llorar por una mujer es quererla y no tenerla. Llorar, Llorar por una mujer es muy hondo padecer. Vos, que pa’l amor fuiste retobao, hoy tu pena es fuerte y te tiene arrinconcao, y hoy que no la ves y que la querés se te achica el alma, y recién sabés lo que es: Llorar, llorar por una mujer. |
To cry, to cry for a woman is to love her and not have her. To cry, to cry for a woman is a suffering that hits you deep. You, who for love, were all cagey, today, your pain is so strong that it has you cornered, and today that you don’t see her and that you love her, your soul shrinks and now you know what it is: To cry, to cry for a woman. |
| Muchachos, ya lo ven, al potro del amor no hay gaucho domador que lo domine. Cuando nos entra a tallar una pena de amar, el varón se define… Ahí comprobamos lo que es ese fiero revés que nos hace llorar… Conozca muchos que después de criticar los he ido a consolar. |
Guys, now you see, no horse-breaking gaucho can tame the colt of love. When a love pain starts to take shape, a man shows his true self. There, we understand what is this cruel backhand slap that brings us to tears… I know many who after they’d had their fair share of criticising, I had to go and console. |
