Bocca Di Rosa

The song "Bocca di Rosa" by Fabrizio De André tells the story of a woman whose nickname translates to 'Rose Mouth,' known for her passionate approach to love. The lyrics describe her arrival in the small town of Sant'Ilario, where her presence and profession as a lover quickly become the talk of the town. Unlike those who engage in love out of boredom or as a profession, Bocca di Rosa is driven by pure passion. However, her disregard for whether her lovers are married incites the wrath of the town's women, particularly those whose husbands she has seduced.

The song continues to depict the societal backlash against Bocca di Rosa, as the scorned women of the town, led by a spinster, conspire to have her removed. They complain to the authorities, painting her as a threat to the moral fabric of the community. The carabinieri, or police officers, are sent to escort her out of town, though they do so with some reluctance, indicating that even they are not immune to her charms. The townspeople, including the commissioner and the sacristan, gather at the station to bid her farewell, acknowledging the transient joy she brought to their lives.

De André's song is a commentary on the hypocrisy of societal norms and the judgmental nature of small-town communities. It contrasts sacred love with profane love and highlights the inevitable intertwining of the two. The song ends with Bocca di Rosa being welcomed at the next town, suggesting that her spirit and the essence of love she represents cannot be stifled by societal constraints. The song's narrative is a celebration of love in all its forms and a critique of those who seek to police it.