Summer On A Solitary Beach

Franco Battiato's 'Summer On A Solitary Beach' is a poetic exploration of nostalgia, solitude, and the desire for escape. The song paints a vivid picture of a summer spent on a deserted beach, where the protagonist finds solace and a sense of timelessness. The lyrics evoke a serene yet surreal atmosphere, with the echo of an open-air cinema and the tropical warmth of the sand creating a dreamlike setting. This setting serves as a backdrop for introspection and a temporary escape from reality.

The recurring motif of the sea in the song symbolizes both a physical and emotional journey. The lines 'Mare mare mare voglio annegare / Portami lontano a naufragare' (Sea, sea, sea, I want to drown / Take me far away to shipwreck) express a deep yearning to be carried away by the waves, away from the mundane and towards a place of freedom and release. This desire to escape is further emphasized by the plea to be taken 'via via via da queste sponde' (away, away, away from these shores), highlighting a longing for a transformative experience.

Battiato's use of imagery and metaphors enriches the song's narrative, making it a poignant reflection on the human condition. The mention of 'Le grand hotel Sea-Gull Magique' and the distant figure of a returning miner add layers of mystery and melancholy, suggesting a world beyond the immediate experience of the beach. The song captures the essence of a fleeting moment in time, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, and the listener is invited to join in the contemplation of life's ephemeral beauty.