Il Tempo Di Morire

Lucio Battisti's song 'Il Tempo Di Morire' is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and desperation. The lyrics revolve around a man who is deeply in love with a woman who loves someone else. He offers her everything he has, symbolized by his prized possession, a motorcycle, in a desperate bid to win her affection. The motorcycle, described as 'tutta cromata' (all chromed), represents not just a material offering but a significant sacrifice, indicating the depth of his feelings and the extent he is willing to go to be with her.

The repeated plea 'Non dire no' (Don't say no) underscores his desperation and the urgency of his request. He acknowledges her love for another but is so consumed by his own feelings that he is willing to accept even a fleeting moment of intimacy, as expressed in the line 'mi basta il tempo di morire fra le tue braccia cosi' (I just need the time to die in your arms like this). This line is a powerful metaphor for his emotional state, suggesting that even a brief moment of reciprocated love would be worth the ultimate price.

Battisti's delivery of the song, combined with the melancholic melody, amplifies the sense of despair and longing. The repetition of phrases like 'perche' ti voglio amare' (because I want to love you) emphasizes his singular focus and the depth of his emotional turmoil. The song captures the universal theme of unrequited love and the lengths to which one might go to experience even a moment of connection with the object of their affection. Battisti's heartfelt performance and the evocative lyrics make 'Il Tempo Di Morire' a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of unreturned love.