E Tu Come Stai?

Renato Russo's song 'E Tu Come Stai?' is a poignant exploration of emotional solitude and the lingering impact of past relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of wandering and aimlessness, as the narrator describes moving through life without a clear direction. This is evident in lines like 'Ho girato e rigirato / Senza sapere dove andare,' which translate to 'I turned and turned / Without knowing where to go.' The mention of dining alone 'Seduto accanto ad un dolore' ('Sitting next to a pain') further emphasizes the narrator's deep sense of loneliness and emotional burden.

The recurring question 'Tu come stai?' ('How are you?') serves as a central motif throughout the song, highlighting the narrator's concern for someone from their past. This repeated inquiry suggests a longing for connection and an unresolved emotional attachment. The narrator's companions are described as 'Quaranta amiche le mie carte' ('Forty friends, my cards') and even their dog, who 'abbaia alla malinconia' ('barks at melancholy'), indicating that their only solace comes from inanimate objects and pets rather than human relationships.

As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on memories and the unchanged nature of their emotional state. The lines 'Non è cambiato / Niente no / Il vento non è mai passato / Tra dí noi' ('Nothing has changed / No, nothing / The wind has never passed / Between us') suggest that time has not healed their wounds, and the emotional distance between them and the person they are addressing remains. The song closes with a reiteration of the question 'Tu come stai?' underscoring the narrator's enduring concern and unresolved feelings.

'E Tu Come Stai?' is a deeply emotional song that captures the essence of longing, loneliness, and the enduring impact of past relationships. Renato Russo's heartfelt lyrics and evocative imagery make it a timeless piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar emotions.