Ripa rotta
Ella Ja Aleksi
The Adventures of Ripa: A Tale of a Clean Rat with a Sweet Tooth
Ella Ja Aleksi's song "Ripa rotta" introduces us to a unique character named Ripa, a brown rat with a penchant for cleanliness and a love for sweets. The song opens by establishing Ripa's distinct traits: despite being a rat, he is clean and tidy, a fact that even the waste management facility disputes. This sets the stage for a playful and whimsical narrative that challenges common stereotypes about rats being dirty or undesirable creatures.
The lyrics further delve into Ripa's adventurous spirit and his insatiable appetite for treats. Ripa is described as being able to navigate through concrete, plastic, and lead if he spots a tasty morsel. This imagery not only highlights Ripa's determination but also adds a fantastical element to his character, making him seem almost heroic in his quest for delicious food. The mention of rhubarb as a favorite treat, inherited from his father, adds a personal touch to Ripa's story, making him more relatable and endearing.
The refrain, which repeats the lines about wrapping rhubarb and crispy cookies in different papers, emphasizes Ripa's love for baking and sweets. The song also mentions ginger as the best spice and suggests that when Ripa gets frustrated, he turns to cookies for comfort. This detail adds depth to Ripa's character, showing that even a rat can have moments of stress and find solace in simple pleasures. Overall, "Ripa rotta" is a charming and imaginative song that uses humor and vivid imagery to create a memorable character and a delightful story.