Ninna Nanna

Ricchi e Poveri's song 'Ninna Nanna' is a poignant lullaby that delves into themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time. The lyrics, sung with a tender and melancholic tone, tell the story of a lullaby played on a guitar with just two fingers, symbolizing simplicity and intimacy. This lullaby, however, is not just a soothing melody for sleep; it speaks of a story that has already ended, hinting at a past relationship or a significant loss. The singer learned the words from a woman who left the house too soon, suggesting a premature departure, possibly due to death or separation, leaving a lingering sense of sorrow and nostalgia.

The recurring refrain 'Ninna nanna ninna nanna o, Questa notte quanti figli ho' translates to 'Lullaby, lullaby, oh, how many children do I have tonight?' This line evokes a sense of responsibility and care, as if the singer is addressing all the children or loved ones they must comfort and protect. The lullaby becomes a metaphor for the singer's role in providing solace and security, even in the face of their own grief. The question 'Questa notte chi la canterà' ('Who will sing it tonight?') adds a layer of uncertainty and longing, as if the singer is unsure who will continue this comforting tradition in their absence.

The song also touches on the beauty and mystery of life, with lines like 'Mamma rosa perchè il cielo si fa rosa quando è sera' ('Mother rose, why does the sky turn pink in the evening?'). This imagery of the evening sky turning pink can be seen as a metaphor for the transition from day to night, life to death, and the enduring beauty that remains despite the sadness. The lullaby, repeated throughout the song, becomes a symbol of enduring love and the hope that memories and traditions will continue to provide comfort, even after the singer is gone.