Voglio Andare Al Mare
Marracash
Yearning for the Sea: A Summer in the City
Marracash's song "Voglio Andare Al Mare" captures the frustration and longing of spending summer in the city instead of enjoying a vacation by the sea. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's desire to escape the urban environment, where he feels trapped and surrounded by monotony. The recurring refrain, "Voglio andare al mare" (I want to go to the sea), emphasizes this yearning for a change of scenery and a break from the daily grind.
The song juxtaposes the idealized image of a beach vacation with the reality of staying in the city. Marracash describes the mundane aspects of city life during summer, such as dealing with mosquitoes, the absence of friends who have left for vacation, and the lack of excitement. He humorously mentions the small perks of an empty city, like easier parking and less noise, but these are overshadowed by the overall sense of dissatisfaction and boredom. The reference to "McDonald's" and "scrocco cene" (freeloading dinners) highlights the artist's financial constraints, adding another layer to his frustration.
Marracash also touches on the social dynamics of the city, mentioning the presence of "ladri e sbirri" (thieves and cops) and the migration of the local drug dealer to more lucrative vacation spots. This reflects a sense of abandonment and the feeling that the city is left to those who have no other options. The song's cultural references, such as Gigi D'Alessio and the mention of different vacation destinations like Salento and Riccione, ground the narrative in a specific Italian context, making it relatable to listeners familiar with these elements.
The song's melancholic tone is further emphasized by the artist's reflections on past vacations, which he remembers fondly regardless of whether he had money or not. This nostalgia contrasts sharply with his current situation, where he feels stuck and unable to enjoy the summer. The closing lines, where he humorously suggests that the tropics will come to them due to climate change, add a touch of irony to the song, highlighting the absurdity of his predicament.