Kobra

Mahmood's song 'Kobra' delves into the themes of trust, betrayal, and the harsh realities of growing up. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young man reflecting on his past, particularly his early twenties, a time when he was serious about making the most out of life. Despite his efforts, he found himself in less-than-ideal situations, symbolized by drinking Cuba in a 'pessimo' (terrible) bar. This juxtaposition of high aspirations and low circumstances sets the stage for the song's exploration of disillusionment.

The recurring metaphor of the 'kobra' (cobra) is central to the song's message. Mahmood uses the image of a cobra's bite to represent betrayal and deceit. The line 'Mordi da kobra e ti credono' (Bite like a cobra and they believe you) suggests that people often fall for deceptive appearances. This ties into the refrain 'Che l’abito non fa il monaco' (The habit does not make the monk), emphasizing that outward appearances can be misleading. Mahmood's frustration with false friends and the difficulty of trusting others is palpable, especially when he sings about giving a hand only to have it bitten.

The song also touches on the emotional toll of these experiences. Mahmood mentions that his heart no longer 'twerks' when he sees someone, indicating a loss of emotional responsiveness due to repeated betrayals. The advice from his mother to 'Fai da te che poi ti fregano' (Do it yourself, or they'll cheat you) underscores the song's theme of self-reliance in a world full of 'kobra' ready to strike. The closing line, 'Mi sta mancando l’ossigeno' (I'm running out of oxygen), poignantly captures the suffocating feeling of living in a world where trust is scarce.