I Treni Di Tozeur

Franco Battiato's song 'I Treni Di Tozeur' is a poetic and evocative piece that delves into themes of memory, longing, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the desolate landscapes and quiet villages of Tozeur, a town in Tunisia. The imagery of trains passing through these border villages serves as a powerful metaphor for the slow and inevitable passage of time. The trains symbolize the journey of life, moving steadily forward, while the villagers watch passively, perhaps reflecting on their own lives and memories.

The song also touches on the theme of nostalgia, as the narrator recalls a distant past. The mention of a mother who remembers the narrator and their habits suggests a deep connection to a time long gone. This memory brings a fleeting desire to live life at a different pace, hinting at a longing for a simpler, more meaningful existence. The recurring line 'E per un istante ritorna la voglia di vivere' (And for a moment, the desire to live returns) underscores this transient yearning for a life that once was.

Battiato's lyrics also introduce elements of surrealism and futurism, with references to abandoned churches being prepared as shelters and new spaceships for interstellar travel. These images create a juxtaposition between the ancient and the futuristic, the mundane and the extraordinary. The old salt mines and the memory of the narrator as a spell add to the mystical and dreamlike quality of the song. 'I Treni Di Tozeur' is a rich tapestry of emotions and imagery, capturing the essence of human experience through its exploration of time, memory, and the longing for something beyond the ordinary.