Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)
Domenico Modugno
Soaring Dreams and Blue Horizons: The Uplifting Essence of 'Volare'
The song 'Volare', which means 'to fly' in Italian, is a classic hit that transcends language barriers with its uplifting melody and dreamy lyrics. Performed by Domenico Modugno, an Italian singer, songwriter, and actor, the song won two Grammy Awards in 1958 and became an international success. Modugno's style is characterized by his powerful voice and emotive delivery, which bring the song's themes of freedom and joy to life.
The lyrics of 'Volare' describe the exhilarating feeling of flying and escaping into a dreamlike state, symbolized by the blue sky. The color blue, 'dipinto di blu', which translates to 'painted blue', is a recurring motif in the song, representing both the literal sky and a sense of boundless happiness. The protagonist paints himself with the color of the sky, suggesting a transformation or a merging with the infinite expanse above. This metaphor for freedom and escape is a universal desire, resonating with listeners who yearn for a break from the mundane or the constraints of everyday life.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the act of flying is not just a physical experience but also an emotional one, tied to the singer's love interest. The blue of the sky is mirrored in the 'occhi tuoi blu' - the beloved's blue eyes - adding a romantic layer to the song. The dream may fade with the dawn, but it lives on in the beauty of the loved one's eyes, suggesting that love itself offers a form of escape and elevation above the ordinary. 'Volare' captures the essence of human longing for both freedom and connection, using the metaphor of flight to express the joy found in love and the beauty of the world as seen through the eyes of the beloved.