S'i' Fosse Foco [Da Un Sonetto Di Cecco Angiolieri]

Deandre Fabrizio's song "S'i' Fosse Foco [Da Un Sonetto Di Cecco Angiolieri]" is a musical adaptation of a sonnet by the medieval Italian poet Cecco Angiolieri. The lyrics are a vivid and provocative exploration of power, rebellion, and the human condition. Angiolieri's original sonnet is known for its satirical and rebellious tone, and Fabrizio's rendition captures this essence through its intense and evocative language.

The song begins with a series of hypothetical statements, each starting with "S'i' fosse" ("If I were"). The speaker imagines themselves as various elements of nature and figures of authority, expressing a desire to wield destructive power. For instance, if they were fire, they would burn the world; if they were wind, they would create storms; if they were water, they would drown everything. These metaphors highlight a deep-seated frustration and a yearning to disrupt the status quo. The imagery of fire, wind, and water symbolizes uncontrollable forces, reflecting the speaker's desire to unleash chaos and challenge existing structures.

The song also delves into the theme of authority and its potential for corruption. The speaker imagines themselves as God, the Pope, and an emperor, each time expressing a wish to use their power in a tyrannical manner. This critique of authority figures suggests a disillusionment with the institutions that govern society. The speaker's desire to "imbrigherei" (ensnare) all Christians and to behead everyone if they were emperor underscores a radical rejection of societal norms and a call for radical change.

In the final verses, the speaker's reflections turn personal. They express a desire to distance themselves from their parents, symbolizing a rejection of familial and societal expectations. The mention of preferring young and beautiful women over old and ugly ones adds a layer of hedonism and personal desire to the song's themes. This personal rebellion against societal and familial norms encapsulates the spirit of Angiolieri's original sonnet, making Fabrizio's adaptation a powerful commentary on the human condition and the desire for freedom and self-expression.