Piccoli Già Grandi
Gerardina Trovato
The Paradox of Youth: Innocence and Disillusionment in 'Piccoli Già Grandi'
Gerardina Trovato's song 'Piccoli Già Grandi' delves into the complex and often contradictory nature of youth. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of young people who are simultaneously innocent and disillusioned, embodying both the purity of saints and the weariness of those who have seen too much. The recurring lines 'siamo dei, dei santi' (we are gods, saints) juxtaposed with 'siamo piccoli già stanchi' (we are small, already tired) highlight this duality. This suggests that while youth is often idealized as a time of boundless energy and potential, it is also a period marked by significant emotional and psychological challenges.
The song also touches on the influence of media and societal expectations on young people. Lines like 'siamo quello che ci dice la TV' (we are what the TV tells us) and 'cartelloni per la strada che ti dicono chi sei' (billboards on the street that tell you who you are) reflect the external pressures that shape their identities. This commentary on the pervasive impact of media and advertising underscores the struggle for authenticity in a world that constantly dictates how one should think, act, and feel.
Moreover, Trovato addresses the sense of isolation and existential angst that many young people experience. The imagery of 'la notte dentro ai bar' (the night inside bars) and 'quante sigarette in più' (how many more cigarettes) evokes a sense of searching for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The song captures the essence of a generation caught between the hope of a promising future and the disillusionment of present realities. Through its poignant lyrics, 'Piccoli Già Grandi' serves as a powerful reflection on the trials and tribulations of growing up in a modern, media-saturated society.