Come Di

Paolo Conte's 'Come Di' is a poetic exploration of life's fleeting moments, captured through a series of vivid, almost cinematic images. The song's lyrics, rich in metaphor and cultural references, paint a picture of life's comedy, its highs and lows, and the bittersweet nature of human experiences. The recurring phrase 'come di' (like this) serves as a refrain, anchoring the listener in the whimsical yet profound observations Conte makes about life.

The song opens with a scene of people leaning out of moving trains, smiling in their undershirts, a simple yet evocative image that suggests a carefree, almost childlike joy. This is contrasted with the idea of an 'orchestra illusa a Napoli' (an illusory orchestra in Naples) that is later scolded in Minneapolis, highlighting the disparity between dreams and reality. The use of 'comdie' (comedy) throughout the song underscores the theatrical nature of these experiences, suggesting that life itself is a grand performance, full of unexpected twists and turns.

Conte's lyrics also delve into the complexities of memory and perception. He speaks of a 'luce piena di vertigine' (a light full of vertigo) and a woman's gaze that strikes like lightning, capturing the intensity and unpredictability of human emotions. The mention of an 'antica amante vista a Napoli' (an ancient lover seen in Naples) through distant binoculars evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, further emphasizing the theme of life's ephemeral beauty. The song concludes with the image of an orchestra falling into a fan at the Grand Hotel, a surreal and somewhat tragicomic end that reinforces the idea of life's inherent unpredictability.

'Come Di' is a masterful blend of poetic imagery and musical storytelling, reflecting Paolo Conte's unique ability to capture the essence of human experience in a few carefully chosen words. The song invites listeners to reflect on their own lives, to find beauty in the mundane, and to embrace the comedy of existence with open hearts.