Tapioca

Francesca Michielin's song 'Tapioca' is a heartfelt ode to gratitude, capturing the beauty of appreciating life's simple moments. The repetitive chant 'Onyame,' which means 'God' in Akan, sets a spiritual tone, suggesting a divine presence in everyday experiences. This spiritual undertone is woven throughout the song, emphasizing a deep sense of thankfulness for both the tangible and intangible aspects of life.

The lyrics express gratitude for various elements of daily life, from the asphalt that allows for leaps and bounds to the legs that enable swimming in the sea. Michielin thanks the houses, even those rented, for their hospitality, and acknowledges the importance of saying 'thank you' as an unavoidable part of life. The imagery of the moon visible during the day and the transition from summer to autumn symbolizes the unexpected and beautiful moments that life offers. Despite the mundane reality of a Monday, Michielin finds contentment, breathing in the world's air as if it were a propeller, driving her forward.

The chorus, sung in Akan, reinforces the theme of gratitude, with 'Yedi sanku sanku yedi nsembo nsembo nyinara beyi waye daa' roughly translating to 'We sing praises, we sing all the praises, we will always do it.' This repetition underscores the importance of continuous appreciation. Michielin also reflects on the things her neighborhood couldn't provide, turning these absences into opportunities for imagination and creation. The song culminates in a celebration of Sunday, a day of rest and reflection, where the aroma of bread from across the world and the act of playing music louder symbolize the joy found in simple pleasures and the global connections that enrich our lives.

'Tapioca' is a reminder to find gratitude in every corner of our existence, from the mundane to the extraordinary, and to recognize the divine in the everyday. Michielin's blend of Italian and Akan languages highlights the universal nature of gratitude, transcending cultural boundaries and resonating with a global audience.