120...150... 200 Km All'ora

Roberto Carlos' song '120...150... 200 Km All'ora' is a poignant exploration of emotional turmoil and the desperate attempts to escape from heartache. The lyrics vividly describe a journey at increasingly high speeds, which serves as a metaphor for the protagonist's frantic efforts to outrun his pain and memories. The song opens with the protagonist noting how everything is passing by quickly, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and happiness. As the speedometer climbs, the imagery of trees passing like ghosts and the blurring of images reflect his disoriented state of mind.

The protagonist's internal struggle is palpable as he oscillates between the desire to live and the temptation to die to escape his thoughts. The lyrics 'Io non so se vivere o morire per non pensarti più' (I don't know whether to live or die to stop thinking about you) encapsulate this conflict. The increasing speed mirrors his escalating desperation, with each milestone—120, 130, 140 km/h—marking a deeper plunge into his emotional abyss. The song poignantly captures the essence of running away from oneself and the past, highlighting the futility of such an endeavor.

As the speed reaches 150 km/h and beyond, the protagonist's reflections become more intense. The wind causing a tear to fall and the empty seat beside him symbolize his profound loneliness and the void left by his lost love. The climax of the song at 200 km/h represents a breaking point where he momentarily stops thinking about his lost love to focus on the road ahead. However, the lingering question of whether to live or die remains unresolved, emphasizing the enduring impact of his emotional scars. Roberto Carlos masterfully uses the metaphor of speed to convey the intensity of heartache and the relentless pursuit of escape, making '120...150... 200 Km All'ora' a deeply moving and relatable piece.