Non Si Esce Vivi Dagli Anni '80
Afterhours
The Inescapable Legacy of the '80s
The song "Non Si Esce Vivi Dagli Anni '80" by Afterhours delves into the lasting impact of the 1980s on contemporary life and culture. The lyrics reflect a sense of entrapment and disillusionment with the era's values and aesthetics. The repeated line, "non si esce vivi dagli anni '80" (you don't come out alive from the '80s), underscores the idea that the cultural and social influences of that decade are inescapable and continue to shape the present.
The song opens with a contemplation of authenticity versus artificiality, questioning whether it's better to be vulgar and fake or to be considered a fool. This dichotomy highlights the superficiality that was often celebrated in the '80s, a time when appearances and material success were highly valued. The reference to cosmetics and the comparison of skin from the 2000s to the '80s further emphasize the enduring influence of that decade's beauty standards and consumer culture.
As the song progresses, it touches on the emptiness and sadness that can lie beneath the surface of a seemingly glamorous lifestyle. The line "ho valutato i pro e i contro di una vita rampante" (I've weighed the pros and cons of an ambitious life) suggests a critical evaluation of the pursuit of success and its hollow rewards. The mention of love being fleeting while herpes is forever serves as a stark metaphor for the transient nature of superficial relationships and the lasting consequences of certain choices.
Overall, "Non Si Esce Vivi Dagli Anni '80" is a poignant critique of the 1980s, exploring themes of authenticity, superficiality, and the enduring impact of that decade on modern life. The song's repetitive chorus reinforces the idea that the cultural legacy of the '80s is something that cannot be easily escaped or forgotten.