Contessa Miseria

Carmen Consoli's song 'Contessa Miseria' paints a poignant portrait of a woman grappling with the relentless passage of time and the societal pressures of maintaining youth and beauty. The protagonist, referred to as 'Contessa Miseria,' is depicted as a lonely figure nearing sixty, adorned in gaudy attire and surrounded by the remnants of her past glory. The repeated references to her being 'desperately alone' and 'wrapped in ostrich feathers and vulgar trinkets' highlight her attempts to cling to a bygone era of elegance and significance.

The lyrics delve into the 'constant terror' in her eyes, a reflection of her fear of aging and the inevitable decline that comes with it. This fear drives her to yearn for an 'elixir of long life,' symbolizing a desperate desire to escape the natural progression of time. The song critiques the modern obsession with youth and beauty, as 'Contessa Miseria' becomes a 'victim of the deception of this century,' chasing the myth of perfect forms and cosmetic surgery. This societal pressure leaves her mentally 'frozen at twenty,' unable to accept the reality of her aging self.

Consoli's lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, such as the 'glorious memories impregnated with powders and rien ne va plus,' evoking a sense of nostalgia and the finality of her situation. The repeated refrain 'la vita prima o poi colpisce a sorpresa' (life eventually strikes by surprise) serves as a somber reminder of life's unpredictability and the inevitability of change. Through 'Contessa Miseria,' Consoli offers a critical reflection on the superficial values of contemporary society and the personal anguish they can cause, making the song a powerful commentary on the human condition.