Porque Me Das Dique

Carlos Gardel's song "Porque Me Das Dique" is a poignant tango that delves into themes of deception, regret, and the harsh realities of life in the arrabales, or working-class neighborhoods. Gardel, a legendary figure in the world of tango, uses his powerful voice and evocative lyrics to paint a vivid picture of a woman who has lost herself in a facade of false grandeur and materialism. The phrase "Porque me das dique" can be translated to "Why do you give me the cold shoulder," setting the tone for a narrative of unrequited love and disillusionment.

The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has become entangled in a life of vice and superficiality, selling her body and masking her poverty with a veneer of false opulence. Gardel's character confronts her, questioning why she pretends to be something she is not and reminding her of the genuine love he once offered. The song's imagery of "farras y tangos y en loco burdel" (parties, tangos, and crazy brothels) highlights the chaotic and destructive lifestyle she has chosen, contrasting sharply with the purity of the love she has forsaken.

Gardel's lyrics also touch on the inevitability of time and the fleeting nature of beauty and youth. He warns the woman that as she ages and the allure of her appearance fades, she will be left with nothing but memories of the man who truly cared for her. The repetition of the phrase "Metele a la vida, sacale partido" (Go for life, make the most of it) serves as a bittersweet reminder of the choices she has made and the consequences she must face. Through this tango, Gardel masterfully captures the essence of human vulnerability and the tragic consequences of living a life built on deception and falsehoods.