Un Uovo Sodo

Zucchero's song 'Un Uovo Sodo' delves into the profound feelings of loneliness and longing that accompany unrequited love. The title, which translates to 'A Hard-Boiled Egg,' serves as a metaphor for the singer's emotional state—hard on the outside but fragile and vulnerable within. The lyrics express a deep sense of isolation, as the singer feels disconnected from the world and even the sky seems unaware of his existence. This sense of being 'solo' or alone is heightened by the absence of a place in the beloved's heart, making the singer feel as if he has no place in the world at all.

The recurring phrase 'I've got a feeling' underscores the persistence of these emotions. Despite the pain, the singer clings to the hope that his feelings might be reciprocated. The imagery of being 'appeso a un filo' (hanging by a thread) and 'steso fuori che asciugo' (laid out to dry) vividly captures the precariousness and exposure of his emotional state. The plea for 'sole' (sun) to dry his 'dolore' (pain) symbolizes a desperate need for warmth and comfort, which he hopes to find in the beloved's affection.

The song also explores the duality of hope and despair. While the singer feels 'volando sul mare' (flying over the sea) with 'ali rotte nel cuore' (broken wings in the heart), he still holds onto the memory of a 'bacio lento' (slow kiss) that once brought him joy. This juxtaposition of soaring and falling, of sweetness and sorrow, encapsulates the complex emotions of love and longing. The mention of 'un mirto ai mirti colli' (a myrtle to the myrtle hills) adds a touch of poetic beauty, suggesting that even in his suffering, the singer finds moments of grace and connection to nature.