La Paura Dura Più Dell'amore

Fabrizio De André's song 'La Paura Dura Più Dell'amore' delves into the profound and often paralyzing impact of fear, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of love. The title itself, which translates to 'Fear Lasts Longer Than Love,' sets the stage for a poignant exploration of how fear can overshadow and outlast the warmth and beauty of love. De André uses vivid and evocative imagery to paint a picture of fear as a pervasive and destructive force.

The lyrics describe fear as 'cenere di gramigna' (ash of couch grass) and 'cenere fredda' (cold ash), suggesting that fear is a residue that lingers long after the initial spark has died out. This metaphor highlights the insidious nature of fear, which, unlike love, does not easily dissipate. The mention of 'brina di primo mattino' (early morning frost) that 'morde le scarpe' (bites the shoes) and 'deposita uova di vipera' (lays viper eggs) further emphasizes fear's ability to infiltrate and corrupt even the most mundane aspects of life.

De André's 'grande finestra' (large window) that 'racchiude un trionfo di colori' (encloses a triumph of colors) symbolizes the potential for beauty and joy in the world. However, this beauty is marred by the 'mare di luna terra di sangue' (sea of moon, land of blood), a stark juxtaposition that underscores the coexistence of beauty and horror. The imagery of a 'trionfo di colori' (triumph of colors) being overshadowed by fear reflects the central theme of the song: the enduring and often overwhelming presence of fear in our lives, even amidst moments of love and beauty.