Creuza De Ma

Fabrizio De André's song 'Creuza De Ma' is a poetic and evocative exploration of life, culture, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of the Ligurian Sea. The lyrics, written in the Genoese dialect, paint a vivid picture of the coastal life, filled with both beauty and hardship. The song's title, which translates to 'Path of the Sea,' serves as a metaphor for the journey of life, with all its twists and turns, joys and sorrows.

The opening lines, 'Umbre de muri muri de mainé / Dunde ne vegnì duve l'è ch'ané,' set a mysterious and almost mystical tone, suggesting shadows of walls and the unknown origins of the people. This imagery evokes a sense of timelessness and the eternal struggle of human existence. The mention of the moon and the night adds a layer of introspection and contemplation, as if the sea itself holds the secrets of life and death.

As the song progresses, De André introduces characters and scenes that reflect the everyday life of the Ligurian people. The references to food and drink, such as 'Frittûa de pigneu giancu de purtufin' and 'Lasagne da fiddià ai quattru tucchi,' highlight the cultural richness and the simple pleasures that sustain them. However, there is also an undercurrent of melancholy, as seen in lines like 'Emigranti du rìe cu'I cioi 'nt'I euggi,' which speaks to the pain of emigration and the longing for home.

The final stanza brings the journey full circle, with the image of a boat navigating the waves, symbolizing the passage of time and the inevitability of fate. The 'creuza de mä' becomes a path that binds and guides, leading the characters through the trials and tribulations of life. De André's masterful use of dialect and imagery creates a deeply resonant and universal message, making 'Creuza De Ma' a timeless reflection on the human experience.