L'imperfetto

Francesco De Gregori's song 'L'imperfetto' is a poetic exploration of the beauty and complexity of imperfection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where things are constantly in flux, never quite settling into a perfect state. The recurring imagery of rain ('Era, pioveva') sets a melancholic tone, suggesting a sense of cleansing and renewal. This rain is not just a backdrop but a metaphor for the emotional and existential turbulence that the song's subject experiences.

The song delves into the cyclical nature of life and emotions. Phrases like 'Che tutto ritornava così com’era' (That everything returned as it was) and 'Ogni volta che partiva' (Every time it left) highlight the repetitive patterns that define human existence. These lines suggest a sense of inevitability, where joy and sorrow, presence and absence, are part of an endless loop. The use of metaphors like 'sabbia nel tempo' (sand in time) further emphasizes the transient nature of life, where moments slip away like grains of sand.

De Gregori also touches on the theme of perception and reality. The lines 'Non parlava, Però sapeva tutto quello che gli bastava' (He didn't speak, but he knew everything he needed to know) suggest a deeper understanding that goes beyond words. This idea is reinforced by the description of something 'così preciso ed imperfetto' (so precise and imperfect), capturing the paradoxical nature of existence. The song concludes with a sense of acceptance and resignation, as the subject 'come un messicano si allontanava' (like a Mexican, walked away), embracing the imperfection and unpredictability of life.