Pa' Que Sepan Cómo Soy

The song 'Pa' Que Sepan Cómo Soy' by Julio Sosa is a classic example of Argentine tango, a genre known for its deep emotional content and often complex lyrics that tell a story or describe a character. In this song, the narrator is asserting his identity and values, making it clear to his audience who he is and what he stands for. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of pride and a touch of bravado, which is characteristic of the tango's dramatic style.

Julio Sosa, often referred to as 'El Varón del Tango', was known for his strong, confident voice and his portrayal of the archetypal Buenos Aires tough guy, or 'compadrito'. In 'Pa' Que Sepan Cómo Soy', Sosa's character is speaking to the 'gilada', a colloquial term for the common people or masses, telling them to take note of his ways. He describes himself as someone who doesn't like to gossip or be negative ('ortiva'), values discretion, and knows how to handle himself with distinction. He also boasts about his skills in gambling and his savvy in love and fashion, suggesting a persona that is both street-smart and sophisticated.

The song's lyrics are filled with lunfardo, the slang of Buenos Aires, which adds to the authenticity of the character and the cultural context of the tango. Phrases like 'la yuta' (the police), 'timba' (gambling), and 'bacanazo' (a show-off) paint a vivid picture of the urban landscape and the life of a man who prides himself on being a true 'porteño', a person from Buenos Aires. The repeated line 'Pa' que sepan cómo soy' (So that you know how I am) is a declaration of self, a challenge to the listener to understand and acknowledge the narrator's way of life and values.