Massive Attack (Outro)

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of existential disillusionment, questioning the very nature of existence and achievement. The narrator grapples with the idea of "avverarsi mai" (never coming true) and the inherent "avvelenarsi" (poisoning oneself) in life, suggesting a deep-seated cynicism. The repeated question, "Cosa si prova, eh?" (What does it feel like, huh?), met with the inability to answer, highlights a profound emotional void and a disconnect from genuine feeling. This sense of isolation is underscored by the declaration, "Siamo soli" (We are alone), emphasizing a shared yet isolating human condition. The central tension seems to revolve around the perceived futility of striving and the harsh realities of existence, from "parto all'infarto" (birth to heart attack). The narrator questions the impact and self-awareness of individuals, asking "Che fa al mondo questo stronzo? Se lo è chiesto quanto?" (What does this asshole do for the world? How much has he asked himself?). This reflects a disillusionment with societal pursuits and a skepticism about the value of honesty, as the lyrics note, "Siamo soli / Soltanto il taglio decide pe' la coscienza" (We are alone / Only the cut decides for the conscience), implying that external factors or perhaps even moral compromise dictate one's inner state. The outro shifts dramatically, listing a barrage of material and illicit substances, punctuated by the repeated "H-A-R-V-A-R-D." This juxtaposition creates a jarring effect, suggesting that the pursuit of conventional success or status, represented by Harvard, is intertwined with a chaotic, potentially destructive lifestyle. The rapid-fire enumeration of "buste, bombe, pezzi, chili, piste, bag, droga, mila, Euro, coca, speed, rime, Mine, bile, sòrdi, Vita, morte, sacchi, nove piovre" (bags, bombs, pieces, kilos, tracks, bag, drugs, thousands, Euros, coke, speed, rhymes, mines, bile, money, Life, death, sacks, nine octopuses) creates a sense of overwhelming excess and moral decay. The repetition of "piovre" (octopuses) at the end, a word that sounds like "prove" (proof) and evokes a sense of being trapped or ensnared, leaves a lingering feeling of unease and unresolved chaos. Ultimately, the lyrics' power lies in their raw, unflinching portrayal of emptiness and the desperate, often dark, ways individuals attempt to fill it. The contrast between the introspective questioning and the frenetic, almost nihilistic outro creates a potent emotional impact. It suggests that the search for meaning can lead to a confrontation with profound loneliness and a descent into a world where material gain and illicit activities become the only perceived realities, leaving the listener with a sense of disquiet and the haunting echo of "piovre."