Se Io Fossi Un Angelo

Lucio Dalla's song "Se Io Fossi Un Angelo" ("If I Were an Angel") is a profound exploration of the human condition, power dynamics, and the role of divine intervention. The lyrics imagine the singer as an angel, endowed with the ability to traverse the world and confront its injustices. Dalla envisions himself as a free-spirited, invisible entity who would travel to conflict zones like Afghanistan and South Africa, engaging with global superpowers like America and Russia. This imagery underscores a desire to challenge the status quo and bring about change from a higher moral ground.

The song takes a critical stance against the powerful and their machinations, particularly highlighting the production of missiles and other instruments of war. Dalla's angel would not conform to traditional religious imagery; instead, he would be a rebellious figure, smoking a Marlboro and questioning divine decisions. This portrayal challenges the conventional roles assigned to angels, suggesting that true divine intervention would involve direct, unfiltered communication with God and a willingness to confront and question authority.

Dalla also delves into the nature of angels and their presence among humans. He suggests that angels are not celestial beings but rather the most marginalized and lonely individuals in society. This perspective humanizes the divine, implying that acts of kindness and compassion are the true manifestations of angelic behavior. The song ultimately reflects a deep yearning for a world where divine justice is enacted through human actions, emphasizing love and obedience to God in a personal, individualized manner.