Venezia no
Paola Bertoni
Eternal Venice: A Timeless Love Story
Paola Bertoni's song "Venezia no" is a heartfelt ode to the timeless beauty and unchanging essence of Venice. The lyrics recount the story of the singer's parents, who visited Venice fifty years ago as newlyweds and bought a gondola with a music box as a keepsake. This cherished memory, symbolized by the gondola, represents a bygone era and the singer's youth. However, the music box no longer plays its magical tune, signifying the passage of time and the changes that life brings.
Despite the inevitable changes in life and the world around us, the song emphasizes that Venice remains unchanged. The city is depicted as a constant, a place where time stands still, and its beauty and charm are eternal. The reference to Goldoni, a famous Venetian playwright, and the painters Guardi and Milesi, who captured the city's essence in their works, further underscores Venice's timeless nature. The lyrics suggest that visiting Venice today is like stepping back in time to the days of Goldoni, with the city's unique character and allure remaining intact.
The song also touches on the universal themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. The return of the singer's parents to Venice to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary highlights the enduring nature of their love and the city's role as a backdrop to their life's journey. The metaphor of life passing like lace on a bobbin and each heart having a gondola for a sea of joy and sorrow beautifully captures the bittersweet nature of human existence. Ultimately, "Venezia no" is a tribute to the enduring beauty of Venice and the timeless memories it holds for those who visit.