A Cosa Servono Le Mani

Umberto Tozzi's song "A Cosa Servono Le Mani" delves into the multifaceted roles that hands play in our lives, using them as a metaphor for human connection, creativity, and the passage of time. The lyrics explore the emotional landscape of a person grappling with loss and the subsequent journey of rediscovery. Tozzi's poignant words reflect on how hands, once used to touch and hold a loved one, now find new purposes in the wake of absence.

The song begins with a melancholic tone, as the protagonist reflects on the departure of a significant other. The hands, which once symbolized intimacy and connection, now represent the struggle to move on. Tozzi uses vivid imagery, such as "su questa roccia che è il tuo addio" (on this rock that is your goodbye), to convey the weight of this emotional burden. The hands become a tool for coping with loneliness and finding new ways to engage with the world, whether through mundane tasks or creative endeavors like playing the piano.

As the song progresses, the narrative shifts towards a more hopeful perspective. The protagonist begins to see the hands as instruments of renewal and possibility. The lyrics mention the desire to "uscire stasera che sia primavera o no" (go out tonight whether it's spring or not), symbolizing a readiness to embrace life again. The hands are now seen as capable of bringing joy, creating art, and even seeking peace or conflict, reflecting the complexity of human emotions and experiences.

In the final verses, Tozzi broadens the scope of the metaphor, suggesting that hands are essential for expressing love, making choices, and even praying. The hands become a symbol of the human condition, embodying both the tangible and intangible aspects of existence. The song concludes with a profound realization that hands are not just physical appendages but are integral to our interaction with the world and each other, encapsulating the essence of life itself.