Ho visto un re

Enzo Jannacci's song "Ho visto un re" is a satirical and poignant commentary on social inequality and the absurdity of the powerful lamenting their minor losses while the common man endures far greater hardships. The song is structured as a series of vignettes where different figures of authority and wealth—such as a king, a bishop, and a rich man—are seen crying over their losses. These losses, however, are trivial compared to what they still possess, highlighting the disparity between their suffering and that of the common people.

The king, for instance, cries because the emperor has taken one of his thirty-two castles, and the bishop laments losing one of his thirty-two abbeys. The rich man weeps into his wine, diluting it with his tears, because he has lost a few properties. These exaggerated reactions serve to mock the self-pity of the elite, who still retain vast wealth and power despite their complaints. The repetition of the phrase "Ah, beh; sì, beh" after each lamentation adds a layer of irony, as it trivializes their suffering and underscores the absurdity of their complaints.

In stark contrast, the song introduces a villager who has lost almost everything: his home, his livestock, his personal belongings, and even his wife. Despite these immense losses, the villager does not cry; instead, he laughs. This reaction is not due to madness but rather a form of resistance. The villager's laughter symbolizes resilience and a refusal to give the powerful the satisfaction of seeing him suffer. The song concludes with a powerful message: the common people must remain cheerful because their sorrow only serves to benefit the rich and powerful. This satirical piece uses humor and irony to critique social injustice and the indifference of the elite to the real suffering of the masses.