Azzurro
Gianni Morandi
Longing for Connection in a Blue Afternoon
Gianni Morandi's song "Azzurro" captures a poignant sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics describe a man who spends the entire year waiting for summer, only to find himself alone in the city when it finally arrives. The imagery of an airplane flying away symbolizes the departure of someone dear to him, leaving him feeling isolated and melancholic. The recurring theme of the color blue, or "azzurro," emphasizes the depth of his solitude and the endless stretch of time he faces without his loved one.
The song's chorus reveals the protagonist's realization that he has no resources or emotional strength without the presence of his significant other. He contemplates taking a train to reunite with them, but his "train of desires" runs in the opposite direction, highlighting the futility of his wishes and the distance between his dreams and reality. This metaphor underscores the internal conflict and the sense of helplessness he feels in his current situation.
Morandi also reflects on his childhood memories, contrasting the carefree days of his youth with his present state of boredom and loneliness. The mention of seeking a bit of Africa in his garden, reminiscent of his childhood imagination, further illustrates his yearning for a simpler, more fulfilling time. However, the reality of his surroundings, with people watering roses and the absence of a lion, brings him back to his current, mundane existence. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the persistent and unchanging nature of his longing, making "Azzurro" a deeply emotional and relatable song about the human experience of missing someone and the passage of time.