Gelosia

Adriano Celentano's song 'Gelosia' delves into the complex and often destructive emotion of jealousy. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who feels betrayed and consumed by this powerful feeling. He compares himself to a car without an engine and a man living in perpetual pain, highlighting the deep sense of loss and helplessness that jealousy can bring. The metaphor of a car without an engine suggests a loss of direction and purpose, while the recurring theme of pain underscores the emotional toll of betrayal.

The song also explores the irrational nature of jealousy. Despite feeling strong and claiming not to harbor hatred, the protagonist admits to suffering needlessly. This contradiction reflects the often illogical and self-destructive nature of jealousy. The lyrics mention a 'serpent' that has arrived and is now seated between the couple, symbolizing the insidious and corrosive effect of jealousy on relationships. The serpent eating the heart 'like a tomato' is a striking metaphor for how jealousy can consume one's emotions and rationality, leading to irrational behavior and emotional turmoil.

Celentano also touches on the themes of truth and deception. The repeated line 'quanto costa una bugia' (how much does a lie cost) emphasizes the high emotional price of dishonesty. The song suggests that lies and deceit can lead to a shared pain that is difficult to overcome. The lyrics also highlight the value of sincerity and complicity in a relationship, suggesting that these qualities are rare and precious. The protagonist's lament that 'sincerita... che fortuna chi c'e l'ha' (sincerity... how lucky are those who have it) underscores the importance of honesty and trust in maintaining a healthy relationship.