Lettera a Mio Padre

Ermal Meta's song "Lettera a Mio Padre" is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of the complex relationship between a son and his father. The lyrics are a raw and honest letter to a father who is depicted as a monstrous figure, both in behavior and impact. Meta uses vivid imagery and metaphors to describe the father as a 'beast' and a 'mask maker,' suggesting a person who hides their true nature behind a facade. This duality is a central theme, as the son grapples with the inherited traits and the emotional scars left by his father.

The song delves into the struggle of recognizing parts of oneself in a parent who has caused pain. Meta sings about the difficulty of accepting the physical and emotional resemblances, such as the wrinkles and the shared blood that 'tastes a bit like a monster and a bit like me.' This line encapsulates the internal conflict of loving and hating parts of oneself that are tied to a painful past. The repeated refrain of 'Poche rughe di espressione, più nient'altro di te sopravvive in me' (Few expression lines, nothing else of you survives in me) signifies a desire to distance oneself from the negative legacy while acknowledging the indelible marks left behind.

Despite the heavy themes, the song carries a message of resilience and transformation. Meta speaks of learning to endure and grow from the pain, symbolized by the scars on his back where he attaches wings. This metaphor of turning scars into wings suggests a journey of healing and empowerment. The closing lines hint at a hopeful future where Meta envisions becoming a father himself, vowing to break the cycle of pain and teach his child to 'change the stars.' This forward-looking perspective adds a layer of redemption and hope, making the song not just a lament but a testament to the strength and possibility of overcoming one's past.