E Quì Comando Io

Gigliola Cinquetti's song 'E Quì Comando Io' is a powerful declaration of authority and control. The repeated refrain 'E quì comando io, e questa è casa mia' translates to 'Here I command, and this is my house,' emphasizing the speaker's dominance over their domain. This assertion of control is not just about physical space but also about the social dynamics within it. The speaker demands to know 'chi viene e chi va'—who comes and who goes—highlighting a need for surveillance and control over interactions and relationships within their territory.

The lyrics also introduce a character named Rosina, who is subjected to the speaker's authority. The lines 'Quelle stradelle che tu mi fai far, cara Rosina, le devi pagar' suggest that Rosina must pay for the paths she makes the speaker take, metaphorically implying that her actions have consequences. The payment is described as 'sangue e dolor'—blood and pain—until the moon changes color, adding a layer of poetic and perhaps ominous imagery. This could symbolize the cyclical nature of suffering and control, as well as the inevitability of change.

The song also touches on themes of love and timing, as indicated by the lines 'Quando la luna la cambia i color, vieni ch'è l'ora di fare l'amor.' Here, the changing color of the moon signals the time for love, suggesting that even within a framework of control and authority, there are moments dictated by natural or cosmic rhythms. This juxtaposition of control and natural cycles adds depth to the song, making it not just a declaration of power but also a reflection on the complexities of human relationships and emotions.