Un dì, Felice, Eterea

David Byrne's rendition of 'Un dì, Felice, Eterea' is a poignant exploration of the complex nature of love. The song, originally an aria from Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'La Traviata,' delves into the duality of love as both a source of immense joy and profound suffering. Byrne's interpretation brings a modern sensibility to this timeless theme, highlighting the emotional intensity and the universal experience of love's highs and lows.

The lyrics describe a moment of ethereal happiness ('Un dì, felice, eterea') when the speaker first encounters their beloved. This encounter is so powerful that it leaves the speaker trembling and living in a state of unknown love ('Vissi d'ignoto amor'). The love described is not just a personal feeling but is portrayed as a heartbeat of the entire universe ('Di quell'amor ch'è palpito / Dell'universo, Dell'universo intero'). This metaphor elevates the emotion to a cosmic level, suggesting that love is a fundamental force that connects all beings.

However, the song also acknowledges the mysterious and lofty nature of love ('Misterioso, Misterioso altero'). It is described as both a cross and a delight to the heart ('Croce e delizia al cor'). This phrase encapsulates the essence of love's duality—its ability to bring both pain and pleasure. Byrne's delivery of these lines emphasizes the bittersweet reality of love, making the listener reflect on their own experiences with this powerful emotion. The repetition of 'Croce e delizia' reinforces the idea that love is an inescapable paradox, a source of both suffering and joy that is integral to the human experience.