Scatole

Pinguini Tattici Nucleari's song 'Scatole' delves into the generational conflict between a father and son, highlighting the struggle of pursuing one's passion against societal and familial expectations. The song begins with the narrator describing his father's life as a mason, a man who values hard work and despises complaints, silence, and optimism. The father, who once dreamed of his son becoming an architect or engineer, is disappointed by the son's choice to pursue music. This tension is encapsulated in the father's harsh words, emphasizing that only those who dirty their hands can have a clean conscience.

The narrator, however, is determined to follow his own path, rejecting the conventional career paths his father envisioned for him. He likens his future to a Jehovah's Witness knocking on his door, a persistent presence he chooses to ignore in favor of his musical aspirations. The metaphor of houses as 'scatole' (boxes) where people seek refuge from the rain underscores the narrator's belief that his true calling lies in evoking emotions through music, rather than constructing physical structures.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on his journey, including his time studying music in London. Despite the initial conflict, he eventually earns his own 'piece of paper'—a degree in music—symbolizing his success on his own terms. The song concludes with a poignant realization: while he once believed he was different and better than his father, he now sees that songs, like houses, are also 'scatole' where people find solace. This realization bridges the gap between their worlds, suggesting a reconciliation and mutual understanding.