Amico Fragile

Fabrizio De André's song "Amico Fragile" is a poignant exploration of vulnerability, disillusionment, and the human need for connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels evaporated, almost invisible, in the vastness of the night. This imagery sets the tone for the song, highlighting a deep sense of loneliness and a desperate need for attention and love. The phrase "se mi vuoi bene piangi" (if you love me, cry) underscores the intensity of this need, suggesting that genuine emotion is the only true measure of affection.

The song delves into the superficiality of social interactions, where the protagonist feels out of place among people who offer empty courtesies and shallow concern. The line "Se vuoi potrò occuparmi un'ora al mese di te" (If you want, I can take care of you for an hour a month) is a biting commentary on the hollow nature of such offers. De André contrasts this with the protagonist's own dreams and aspirations, symbolized by the image of a second-row ballerina with a fresh cesarean scar, representing both hope and the scars of reality.

As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on their own actions and choices, contemplating the absurdity of life and the fleeting nature of human connections. The recurring theme of feeling less tired and less drunk than others suggests a sense of resilience and a refusal to succumb to the same disillusionment that plagues those around them. The song's closing lines, with their references to a dog named Libero (Free) and the idea of hiring a cannibal to teach the distance from the stars, encapsulate the protagonist's quest for meaning and authenticity in a world that often feels hollow and insincere.