Gioco Di Bimba

Le Orme's 'Gioco Di Bimba' is a hauntingly beautiful song that delves into the mysterious and surreal world of a young girl. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a girl who rises in the night, seemingly entranced by a magical song. She moves silently, her eyes still closed, as if she is sleepwalking. This imagery sets the stage for a dreamlike narrative where reality and fantasy intertwine. The girl returns to her swing, a symbol of innocence and childhood, and continues to dream, her long nightgown and pale face illuminated by the moonlight. The scene is both enchanting and eerie, with jealous fairies watching her every move.

The song's chorus, 'Dondola, dondola il vento la spinge,' describes the girl being gently pushed by the wind on her swing, capturing stars for her wishes. This line evokes a sense of wonder and the boundless imagination of a child. However, the mood shifts dramatically with the introduction of a shadow detaching from the wall, symbolizing the intrusion of adulthood or reality into the girl's innocent world. The line 'Nel gioco di bimba si perde una donna' suggests that in the girl's game, a woman is lost, hinting at the loss of innocence and the inevitable transition to adulthood.

The song concludes with a poignant and unsettling scene: a cry in the morning, a ragged man calling for his tailor, and a voice repeatedly saying, 'Io non volevo svegliarla così,' which translates to 'I didn't want to wake her like this.' This ending leaves the listener with a sense of unease and ambiguity. It suggests a regretful awakening from the dreamlike state, possibly symbolizing the harsh realities of life that disrupt the innocence of childhood. Le Orme masterfully blends poetic lyrics with a melancholic melody to create a song that is both captivating and thought-provoking.