Un'Altra Vita

Franco Battiato's song 'Un'Altra Vita' delves into the existential weariness and the longing for a different life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the mundane and often frustrating aspects of daily existence. Battiato begins by describing sleepless nights where he turns to reading, yet what he truly craves is silence. This sets the tone for a narrative of discontent and a search for deeper meaning beyond the superficial distractions of modern life.

The song continues to explore the emotional turbulence that accompanies everyday interactions and routines. Battiato mentions getting irrationally angry even with loved ones, highlighting a sense of internal conflict and frustration. The imagery of morning traffic, annoying stoplights, and the special kind of malaise that comes with the evening return home underscores the repetitive and draining nature of daily life. Battiato suggests that neither tranquilizers nor therapies can remedy this feeling; instead, what is needed is 'un'altra vita'—another life.

Battiato's critique extends to the passive consumption of media, symbolized by people lounging on sofas with remote controls in hand, watching shallow TV shows like 'Dallas' and 'I Ricchi Piangono.' The song also touches on urban chaos, with references to the expanding metro lines and triple-parked cars, further emphasizing the overwhelming and often suffocating environment. The repeated refrain that neither stimulants nor ideologies can provide relief reinforces the idea that a fundamental change—a new life—is necessary to escape this cycle of ennui and dissatisfaction.