Tira a campa'

Enzo Jannacci's song 'Tira a campa'' delves into the themes of melancholy and the struggle to find meaning in life's hardships. The phrase 'tira a campa'' translates to 'get by' or 'keep going,' which sets the tone for the entire song. Jannacci paints a picture of a life filled with sadness and disillusionment, comparing it to being on sick leave ('E' come darsi in malattia'). The mention of '43 Via Chiatamone' serves as a metaphorical place where people are worse off, suggesting that no matter how bad things seem, someone else is suffering more.

The song also touches on the inevitability of lies and the human tendency to deceive, yet these lies never seem to have visible consequences ('Ma il naso non si allunga mai'). The recurring advice to 'tira a campa'' is directed at Pasquale, a character who represents the everyman. Pasquale is urged to keep going and not to dwell on the complexities of life and death ('Non tocca a te capir perchè se un uomo muore la vita và'). This reflects a sense of resignation and acceptance, emphasizing that some things are beyond our control and understanding.

Jannacci's lyrics also explore the isolation that comes with introspection and the struggle to communicate one's inner turmoil. The line 'Parlar da soli è una mania' suggests that talking to oneself is a sign of this inner struggle. The character in 'via Chiatamone' who 'piange e che ride anche per te' symbolizes the shared human experience of joy and sorrow. The song concludes with a repetitive mantra to 'tira a campa',' reinforcing the idea that sometimes the best we can do is to keep moving forward, even when life doesn't make sense.