L'orologio Americano

Ivano Fossati's song 'L'orologio Americano' delves into the complex interplay between love, time, and the human experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fleeting romantic encounter, juxtaposed against the backdrop of an 'American clock,' a metaphor for the mechanical and often deceptive nature of time. The song opens with a scene of anticipation and longing, where the protagonist and his lover are caught in a moment that feels both eternal and transient. The 'orchestra' serves as a metaphor for the emotional accompaniment to this brief yet intense experience.

Fossati explores the idea that love is measured by an 'elementary clock,' suggesting that our understanding of love and time is simplistic and perhaps flawed. The protagonist reflects on how he cherishes his personal experiences, even as he feels distanced from them, as if living 'behind a slightly ajar door.' This imagery conveys a sense of separation and longing, highlighting the human tendency to chase after moments of 'immortality'—those rare, unforgettable experiences that make us feel alive.

The song also touches on the inevitability of time's passage and the bittersweet nature of memories. The 'false American clock' symbolizes the artificial and often misleading ways we measure time, emphasizing that true moments of connection can make time feel as though it stands still. Fossati's lyrics suggest that while love and anger are learned for free, they are also ephemeral, captured only in the 'chemically shiny sky of a photograph.' This poignant imagery underscores the transient nature of human emotions and experiences, leaving the listener to ponder the true value of time and love in their own lives.