Don Raffaé

Fabrizio De André's song 'Don Raffaé' is a poignant commentary on the social and political issues in Italy, particularly focusing on the corruption and inefficiencies within the justice system. The song is narrated by Pasquale Cafiero, a prison guard at Poggioreale, who finds solace in his conversations with Don Raffaé, a powerful and influential inmate. Through these dialogues, De André paints a vivid picture of the systemic problems plaguing Italian society, using the microcosm of the prison to reflect broader societal issues.

The lyrics highlight the daily struggles and frustrations of Cafiero, who is surrounded by criminals and feels the weight of his thankless job. He finds a rare moment of peace in the ritual of drinking coffee with Don Raffaé, who offers him wisdom and a sense of understanding. The coffee, a recurring motif in the song, symbolizes a brief escape from the harsh realities of life and a moment of connection amidst the chaos. The recipe for the coffee, passed down from a fellow inmate's mother, adds a touch of humanity and tradition to the otherwise grim setting.

De André uses sharp irony and satire to criticize the state and its inability to address the injustices faced by ordinary people. The song mentions various societal issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the disparity between the rich and the poor. The character of Don Raffaé, despite being a criminal, is portrayed as a figure of wisdom and authority, contrasting sharply with the corrupt and ineffective officials outside the prison walls. This juxtaposition underscores the theme of moral ambiguity and questions the true nature of justice and authority in society.