Alla Fiera Dell'est

Angelo Branduardi's song 'Alla Fiera Dell'est' is a captivating narrative that unfolds through a series of escalating events, each building upon the previous one. The song begins with a simple purchase at a fair in the East, where the narrator's father buys a little mouse for two coins. This seemingly trivial event sets off a chain reaction, with each verse introducing a new character or element that interacts with the previous ones, creating a complex web of cause and effect.

The lyrics follow a repetitive and cumulative structure, reminiscent of a nursery rhyme or a folk tale. Each new verse adds a layer to the story: a cat eats the mouse, a dog bites the cat, a stick hits the dog, fire burns the stick, water extinguishes the fire, a bull drinks the water, a butcher kills the bull, the Angel of Death takes the butcher, and finally, the Lord oversees the Angel of Death. This progression symbolizes the interconnectedness of life and the inevitability of fate, where every action has a consequence, and every being is part of a larger cycle.

Branduardi's use of simple, repetitive language and a catchy melody makes the song accessible and memorable, while the underlying themes are profound and thought-provoking. The song can be seen as a reflection on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the presence of a higher power that governs the universe. The fair in the East serves as a metaphor for the marketplace of life, where every transaction, no matter how small, has far-reaching implications. Through this seemingly whimsical tale, Branduardi invites listeners to ponder the deeper meaning of life's events and the unseen forces that shape our destinies.