Bologna

Francesco Guccini's song "Bologna" is a poetic and intricate ode to the city of Bologna, capturing its multifaceted nature through vivid imagery and personal reflections. The lyrics paint Bologna as an old lady with soft hips, a metaphor that suggests both the city's age and its comforting, maternal presence. Guccini describes Bologna as arrogant and papal, red and fetal, fat and human, blending various characteristics that make the city unique. This duality is further emphasized by its geographical position, straddling the Po Valley and the hills, symbolizing a blend of urban and rural, old and new.

Guccini's personal connection to Bologna is evident as he compares it to a provincial Paris, evoking the bohemian spirit of the French capital. He reminisces about open markets, bistros, and the intellectual atmosphere of the Left Bank, where figures like Sartre and Baudelaire once thrived. Despite being a "vulgar Modenese," Guccini finds himself immersed in a love affair with the city, even if it is an ancillary one. The song captures the essence of a comfortable bohemian life, filled with philosophical discussions over glasses of wine, where even the old drunks seem to embody literature.

The song also delves into Bologna's character as a strong, capable woman who knows the value of life and can stand tall despite being hit. Guccini portrays Bologna as a wealthy lady who was once a peasant, now adorned with villas, jewels, and salami in shop windows. Yet, she remains acutely aware of the scent of poverty and the importance of security. The juxtaposition of wealth and the memory of hardship highlights the city's complex social fabric. Guccini questions whether the true Bolognese people still exist or if they have been lost in a myriad of different worlds. The song ends on a bittersweet note, acknowledging the clichés and empty songs that often define the city's image, while also recognizing the deep, almost nostalgic connection he has with Bologna, a city that evokes both a sob and a belch, a mix of gratitude and regret.