Andrea

The song 'Andrea' by Al Bano and Romina Power is a poignant narrative that delves into the themes of love, loss, and the devastating impact of war. The lyrics tell the story of Andrea, a young man who has lost his way, both literally and metaphorically. He once had a love, symbolized by 'riccioli neri' (black curls), and a deep sorrow, also represented by the same phrase. This duality suggests that his love and his pain are intertwined, perhaps indicating that his beloved has been taken from him, leading to his profound grief.

The song further reveals that Andrea received a letter stating that he had died, with the signature of a king, indicating that he was a soldier who perished in battle. The mention of 'sui monti di Trento' (on the mountains of Trento) and 'dalla mitraglia' (by machine gun fire) paints a vivid picture of the brutal reality of war. Andrea is described with 'occhi di bosco' (forest eyes) and a 'profilo francese' (French profile), emphasizing his humble, rustic origins and his role as a soldier in the kingdom.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that Andrea's loss is not just of his life but also of his love, described as 'la perla più rara' (the rarest pearl). His sorrow is depicted as 'la perla più scura' (the darkest pearl), highlighting the depth of his despair. The imagery of Andrea gathering violets by the well and the well's response that it is deeper than the depths of night and tears adds a layer of metaphorical depth. Andrea's wish for the well to be deeper than himself signifies his desire to escape his overwhelming grief, suggesting a longing for oblivion or peace beyond his suffering.