Cantico Dei Drogati

Fabrizio De André's 'Cantico Dei Drogati' is a haunting exploration of despair, isolation, and existential dread. The song's protagonist has renounced God and love, seeking to fill the void in his soul and heart. This act of rejection leads to a profound sense of emptiness, where words lose their meaning and transform into a dull lament. The imagery of crawling towards a fire that illuminates the ghosts of an obscene game suggests a futile search for warmth and meaning in a world that feels cold and meaningless. The repeated question, 'How can I tell my mother that I am afraid?' underscores the protagonist's deep-seated fear and vulnerability, highlighting a longing for comfort and understanding that seems out of reach.

The lyrics further delve into the protagonist's disconnection from the world around him. He yearns for a time when he could hear the wind whispering through the leaves, a symbol of peace and natural beauty that now feels lost to him. Instead, he is haunted by glass goblins that mock him, representing his paranoia and sense of being watched and judged. The song questions the purpose of existence and the inevitability of death, pondering why there aren't great garbage bins for used days and who pushes the sun onto the stage each morning. These existential musings reflect a deep-seated confusion and frustration with the human condition.

In the final verses, the protagonist contemplates the end of his life, seeing it as a release from the 'idiotic' body he inhabits. He imagines being cited as a warning to others who might think it's fun to play with their minds, suggesting a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-destruction. The plea for someone to teach him an alphabet different from that of his cowardice is a cry for help, a desire to find a new way of understanding and coping with his fears. De André's poignant lyrics and melancholic melody create a powerful and moving portrayal of a soul in torment, seeking solace and meaning in a seemingly indifferent world.