La Città Vecchia

Fabrizio De André's song 'La Città Vecchia' delves into the underbelly of society, painting a vivid picture of the marginalized and forgotten individuals who inhabit the old quarters of a city. The lyrics open with a stark image of a neighborhood where even the sun, metaphorically representing divine grace, fails to reach. This sets the tone for a narrative that explores themes of poverty, vice, and societal neglect. The song introduces a young girl singing an old song, hinting at a life of hardship and the inevitability of learning harsh lessons through experience. De André's use of the term 'donnaccia' (a derogatory term for a woman of ill repute) underscores the societal judgment and the cyclical nature of poverty and exploitation.

The song then shifts focus to a group of elderly men, disillusioned and embittered, who spend their days drinking and cursing their misfortunes. This portrayal of the elderly reflects a sense of lost purpose and the search for fleeting happiness in alcohol, a common escape for those who feel betrayed by life. De André's lyrics poignantly capture the despair and resignation of these men, who find solace in the temporary numbness provided by wine, even as they inch closer to death.

In another verse, De André addresses a 'vecchio professore' (old professor), who hypocritically seeks the company of a prostitute he publicly scorns. This character represents the duplicity and moral decay within respectable society. The professor's actions reveal a deeper commentary on the human condition, where societal norms and personal desires often clash, leading to a life of hidden shame and unfulfilled needs. The song concludes with a powerful message about understanding and empathy. De André challenges the listener to look beyond surface judgments and recognize that even those who seem irredeemable are still products of their environment, deserving of compassion rather than condemnation.

'La Città Vecchia' is a masterful exploration of the darker aspects of urban life, highlighting the struggles of those who live on the fringes of society. De André's poignant lyrics and evocative storytelling invite listeners to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the societal structures that perpetuate suffering.