Paleobarattolo

Renato Zero's song "Paleobarattolo" is a powerful metaphorical exploration of confinement and the yearning for freedom. The recurring imagery of being trapped inside a jar for 'twenty years and thirty thousand centuries' symbolizes a prolonged period of restriction and lack of autonomy. This confinement is not just physical but also mental and emotional, as the protagonist feels like a toy, kicked around and unable to break free. The jar represents societal constraints, personal limitations, or even the passage of time that keeps one from living freely and authentically.

The plea for an 'apricatole' or can opener signifies a desperate need for liberation. The protagonist is tired of being a mere plaything and seeks to escape the monotonous cycle of being tossed 'here and there.' This desire for freedom is further emphasized by the call to 'learn to laugh again,' suggesting that true liberation comes with the ability to find joy and humor in life. The song critiques the way society often 'bottles up' freedom, stifling individuality and creativity. The protagonist's decision to 'go away' and seek refuge in fantasy highlights the importance of imagination as a means of escape and self-expression.

The song also touches on the irony of human behavior. While the protagonist has found a way to laugh and enjoy life, others remain trapped in their jars, unaware of their confinement. They complain and suffer, yet they continue to move 'up and down' without realizing the possibility of breaking free. This contrast underscores the message that freedom is a state of mind, and it is up to each individual to seek and embrace it. Renato Zero's evocative lyrics and emotive delivery make "Paleobarattolo" a poignant commentary on the human condition and the eternal quest for freedom and happiness.