I Watussi

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of the "Watussi" people as exceptionally tall, living in Africa near Kilimanjaro, and inventing dances like the "hully gully." The narrator repeatedly asserts "Siamo i Watussi" (We are the Watussi), establishing a strong group identity. This identity is built on exaggerated physical traits, like "Gli altissimi negri" (the very tall negroes) and "Facciamo sei metri" (we make six meters) with every three steps, and a unique perspective on their environment, seeing the sun first and talking to giraffes and elephants eye-to-eye. The central tension, if any, lies in the playful exaggeration and the construction of an almost mythical identity. The lyrics present a fantastical, almost cartoonish, portrayal of a people defined by their height and their connection to nature. The repeated claims of being "altissimi" and taking "sei metri" with each stride create a sense of awe and otherworldliness, inviting the listener to imagine this larger-than-life community. The most striking craft element is the sheer hyperbole used to define the Watussi. The lyrics don't just state they are tall; they claim the shortest is "alto due metri" (two meters tall) and that their kisses are "più alti del mondo" (the highest in the world). This consistent, over-the-top exaggeration, coupled with the simple, repetitive structure of the chorus, creates a memorable and somewhat absurd, yet charming, characterization. This song's effectiveness comes from its unashamed embrace of fantasy and its catchy, rhythmic delivery. It conjures vivid, if unrealistic, images of a people who literally stand head and shoulders above the rest, both physically and in their connection to their surroundings. The playful tone and the focus on exaggerated physical attributes make it an infectious, albeit simplistic, celebration of a distinct identity.