La Luce Dell'Est

Lucio Battisti's 'La Luce Dell'Est' is a poetic exploration of memory, love, and the passage of time. The song opens with the imagery of fog lifting and a pale sun rising in the east, symbolizing the awakening of memories. The protagonist is drawn to the scent of mushrooms, a sensory trigger that transports him back to a time of youthful love and innocence. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past romance, filled with playful moments and tender connections, such as running through the mud and sharing intimate embraces. The mention of not speaking Slavic and the girl's appreciative 'bravo' adds a layer of cultural and linguistic barriers, yet their bond transcends these differences.

As the song progresses, the protagonist is jolted back to the present by the sound of a breaking branch, a metaphor for the fragility of memory and the ease with which one can be pulled back to reality. The present is represented by the presence of a new love, whose steps and breath are a constant reminder of the here and now. This juxtaposition of past and present highlights the tension between holding onto memories and embracing the current moment. The protagonist's thoughts are like birds, fleeting and light, ultimately making way for the image of his current lover, whose face burns brightly like a red sun, symbolizing passion and intensity.

The song's narrative continues with the protagonist wandering through a wet forest, hearing a pheasant's call and someone shouting his name. These elements evoke a sense of being lost and found, both physically and emotionally. The protagonist's desire to lose himself in the woods to read a book written in the east suggests a longing for solitude and introspection. The final verses recount another poignant memory of a past lover, whose laughter and departure leave a lasting impact. The sound of a gunshot brings the protagonist back to the present once more, reinforcing the theme of memory's fragility. Ultimately, 'La Luce Dell'Est' is a beautifully crafted reflection on the interplay between past and present, love and loss, and the enduring power of memory.