Rebecca

Gianna Nannini's song 'Rebecca' delves into the complex journey of growing up and the societal pressures that shape our perceptions of beauty and identity. The lyrics reflect a nostalgic yet critical look at the protagonist's childhood, where Rebecca, a doll with blonde hair and a smiling face, symbolizes the idealized image of femininity. This doll, 'made in Italy,' represents the cultural standards imposed on young girls, teaching them to aspire to a certain kind of beauty and behavior from an early age.

As the protagonist grows, she begins to question these imposed ideals. The lyrics describe a transition from innocent play to a more conscious awareness of societal expectations. The protagonist's interactions with Rebecca evolve from simple play to a deeper reflection on what it means to be a woman. The doll, once a source of joy and imagination, becomes a symbol of the unrealistic standards that the protagonist feels pressured to meet. This shift is poignantly captured in the lines where she speaks of growing up with a 'smania ribelle' (rebellious urge) to be immediately beautiful and mature, highlighting the internal conflict between her natural self and the external expectations.

The song also touches on the theme of self-acceptance and the struggle with body image. The protagonist's realization that she doesn't fit the mold of the 'ideal' woman leads to a moment of self-doubt and introspection. The mirror scene, where she scrutinizes her own body, underscores the damaging effects of these societal pressures. By asking Rebecca what has been invented and what she had dreamed, the protagonist seeks to understand the dissonance between her true self and the artificial ideals she was taught to pursue. 'Rebecca' is a powerful commentary on the impact of cultural myths on personal identity and the journey towards self-acceptance.