Alleria

Pino Daniele's song 'Alleria' delves into the ephemeral nature of happiness and the passage of time. The lyrics, sung in Neapolitan dialect, reflect a deep sense of melancholy and resignation. Daniele begins by acknowledging the inevitability of time passing and how everything grows and eventually fades away. This transience is not just about physical growth but also emotional connections, as he laments that with time, even love can diminish. The desire for the sun to dry his tears and for a moment to remember highlights a longing for warmth and nostalgia, a brief escape from the relentless march of time.

The word 'alleria' itself translates to 'joy' or 'happiness,' but in the context of the song, it represents a fleeting moment of relief from suffering. Daniele sings about the need for this joy, especially after enduring so much pain, which only God truly understands. The urge to shout out, despite feeling disconnected and misunderstood, underscores a deep frustration and a yearning to express oneself. The repetition of the phrase 'l'alleria se ne va' (the joy goes away) serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of happiness.

As the song progresses, Daniele reflects on how time changes everything, including his voice, and how it erodes trust and expectations. What remains are the things one does not want, and a sense of stagnation, as if personal growth is stunted despite the passage of time. The recurring theme of wanting to give joy but seeing it slip away encapsulates the bittersweet nature of life. 'Alleria' is a powerful meditation on the human condition, capturing the essence of fleeting joy and the enduring struggle to find meaning and connection in an ever-changing world.