Precio (part. Roberto Lemos)

Juan D'arienzo's song "Precio," featuring Roberto Lemos, is a poignant exploration of the emotional and moral costs of a tumultuous love affair. The lyrics delve into the narrator's internal struggle and the heavy price he has paid for a love that has led him down a path of self-destruction and moral compromise. The song is steeped in the dramatic and melancholic tones characteristic of tango, a genre that often deals with themes of love, loss, and existential angst.

The narrator begins by questioning whether he deserved the harsh fate of encountering this love, which has led him into an abyss. He reflects on how he has lost his sense of self and dignity due to the whims of his lover. The imagery of an 'abismo' (abyss) and the loss of 'conciencia y decoro' (conscience and decorum) paints a vivid picture of a man who has sacrificed his moral compass and personal integrity for the sake of this passionate but destructive relationship.

As the song progresses, the narrator laments the downfall of what was once a stable and sweet life ('miel y de trabajo' - honey and work) into a state of ruin ('barranca abajo' - downhill). He describes the love as a 'maldición' (curse) that has left him chained to his lover's lips and voice, illustrating the inescapable grip of this toxic relationship. The narrator's confession of having betrayed sacred commandments and his mother's trust underscores the depth of his moral downfall. The final lines reveal a profound sense of regret and self-awareness, as he acknowledges the heavy price he has paid for this love, both in the eyes of God and society.

"Precio" is a powerful narrative of love's darker side, where passion leads to personal ruin and moral compromise. It captures the essence of tango's emotional intensity and its ability to convey complex human experiences through music and lyrics.