Molto Triste
Abel Velazquez
The Melancholic Longing in 'Molto Triste'
Abel Velazquez's song 'Molto Triste' is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the deep sadness that accompanies the absence of a loved one. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with the emptiness left behind by someone significant. The song opens with the imagery of an 'interminable wait' and 'thirteen empty options,' setting the tone for a narrative steeped in melancholy and unfulfilled desires. The mention of children with 'cardboard crowns' and couples discussing misunderstandings adds layers of everyday life that continue despite the protagonist's inner turmoil.
The chorus introduces Malena, a figure who walks along the pier, observed with the same intensity the protagonist once reserved for their lost love. This imagery of Malena serves as a metaphor for the unattainable, a representation of what the protagonist yearns for but cannot grasp. The 'protest of my hands' and 'timeless tears' underscore the frustration and helplessness felt in the face of this unresolvable longing. The protagonist's solitary reflection, 'between sobs without reason,' and the act of 'erasing this love frame by frame' further emphasize the depth of their sorrow and the struggle to move on.
Cultural references, such as Tornattore's depiction of Italy and the story of a boy in love, enrich the narrative, suggesting a universal theme of love and loss that transcends individual experience. The song's closing lines, 'Return soon, even the cinema is waiting to tell you, I missed you,' encapsulate the enduring hope and the desire for reunion, despite the overwhelming sadness. Velazquez's use of Italian phrases like 'E sono molto triste' (I am very sad) and 'perque sonno, senzate' (because I am, senseless) adds a layer of emotional depth and cultural resonance, making 'Molto Triste' a deeply moving and relatable piece.