Il Testamento

Fabrizio De André's song "Il Testamento" is a poignant and sardonic reflection on life, death, and the legacies we leave behind. The song is structured as a mock testament, where the narrator bequeaths various items and sentiments to different people in his life. The tone is both humorous and critical, as De André uses this format to comment on societal norms, human vices, and the inevitability of death.

The song opens with the narrator contemplating his own death and the reactions of those he leaves behind. He cynically notes that cursing him would be pointless since he will already be in hell. This sets the stage for the dark humor and biting social commentary that follows. For instance, he leaves a job as an accountant to the protectors of prostitutes, highlighting their proficiency in their trade and the economic realities of their profession. This bequest is a critique of societal hypocrisy and the commodification of human relationships.

De André also addresses personal relationships with a mix of irony and tenderness. He leaves a certificate of merit to a woman named Biancamaria, who disregards decency, wishing her happiness in her marriage despite infidelity. This reflects the complexities and contradictions of love and societal expectations. The narrator's request to Sister Death to allow him time to finish his testament and thank those around him adds a layer of poignancy, acknowledging the human need for closure and gratitude even in the face of mortality.

The song's final verses are a meditation on the loneliness of death. Despite shared experiences and collective memories, the narrator reminds his listeners that death is ultimately a solitary journey. This existential reflection is a sobering conclusion to a song that oscillates between satire and sincerity, capturing the multifaceted nature of human existence and the legacies we leave behind.