Makassar

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a deliberate escape, a slow-motion departure from a place of unrequited love. The opening lines establish a gentle, almost passive journey, with the wind drying skin and pushing a ship south. This isn't a frantic flight, but a gradual drifting, underscored by the repeated phrase "piano, piano" – slowly, slowly. The narrator is leaving behind someone who no longer loves them, suggesting a quiet resignation rather than a dramatic breakup. The central tension lies in the contrast between the pain of the past and the promise of a new beginning. The lyrics explicitly state the need to move away from "chi non ti ama più" (who no longer loves you) and "chi non ti cerca più" (who no longer looks for you). Makassar is presented as a sanctuary, a place where a "mondo migliore" (better world) can be found, a destination where old "pensieri d'amore" (thoughts of love) can be left behind under the sun. The imagery of Makassar itself is key to its allure. It's a place to get lost in the Casbah, to spend money, and to encounter simple beauty like children weaving flowers. There's even a hint of spiritual renewal, with a wise old man offering Zen philosophy. This isn't just a geographical escape; it's an invitation to a sensory and perhaps even spiritual rebirth, a chance to "salvarti piano, piano" (save yourself slowly, slowly) and "rinasci piano, piano" (be reborn slowly, slowly). Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics comes from their patient unfolding and the gentle promise of healing. The repetition of "piano, piano" throughout the verses reinforces the idea that emotional recovery is a process, not an event. By focusing on the slow, deliberate act of leaving and the tranquil, exotic imagery of Makassar, the song offers a comforting vision of moving on, suggesting that peace can be found by simply letting go and allowing time and distance to work their magic.