'Nu Telegramma
Mario Trevi
A Telegram of Tragedy and Transformation
'Nu Telegramma' by Mario Trevi is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of loss, vengeance, and transformation. The song begins with the protagonist receiving a telegram from his mother, urging him to come home immediately because his father is unwell. However, the reality is far grimmer; his father has already passed away, a fact he learns from a newspaper while on the train. This sudden and tragic revelation sets the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows.
The lyrics then recount the circumstances of the father's death. He was a gas station attendant who was killed during a robbery by four bandits. This brutal act of violence leaves the protagonist shattered and filled with a desire for revenge. The song captures his internal conflict as he contemplates abandoning his military life and becoming a criminal to avenge his father's death. The protagonist's military background, where he excelled in marksmanship, adds a layer of irony and foreshadowing to his potential transformation into a vigilante.
The song also touches on the deep bond between the protagonist and his mother. He asks her to forget about his military service and the person he once was, indicating a significant shift in his identity and values. The emotional plea to his mother to sing him a lullaby, as she did when he was a child, underscores his vulnerability and the comfort he seeks in familial love amidst his grief. The final lines reveal a chilling determination as he vows to bring the blood-stained clothes of the bandits to his mother, symbolizing his commitment to avenging his father's death.
'Nu Telegramma' is a powerful exploration of how a single tragic event can alter the course of a person's life, driving them to actions they never imagined. It highlights the complexities of human emotions and the lengths one might go to seek justice for a loved one.