L'Appuntamento

The song 'L'Appuntamento' by Ornella Vanoni is a poignant Italian ballad that delves into the themes of love, hope, and disappointment. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has made many mistakes in life, and now, with a mixture of hope and trepidation, waits for a loved one at a rendezvous that seems increasingly ill-fated. The protagonist acknowledges their own errors and the potential folly of waiting, yet clings to the slim hope that their love will appear.

As the song progresses, the setting becomes more vivid – the sun, the rain, the bustling city – all while the protagonist's internal world is filled with doubt and a fading hope. The repeated line 'Se tu non arrivi non esisto' ('If you don't arrive, I don't exist') underscores the depth of the protagonist's feelings, suggesting that their entire being is tied to the presence of this other person. The song captures the universal experience of waiting for someone who may never come, and the emotional turmoil that comes with it.

Ultimately, 'L'Appuntamento' is a narrative of unrequited love and the pain of realizing that the person you're waiting for might not share your feelings. The protagonist's journey from hope to despair is a powerful reminder of love's ability to consume us. The song ends with a resignation to return to a 'sad life' that was meant to be shared with the absent lover, a life now 'crumbled between the fingers.' Ornella Vanoni's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody make 'L'Appuntamento' a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and longed.