Tu

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a portrait of a specific individual, referred to as "Tu," who seems to be living a life marked by a certain carefree, perhaps even reckless, approach. The narrator observes "Tu" occupying a "casa popolare" (council house) with a Calabrian girlfriend to marry, suggesting a grounded, perhaps working-class, reality. Yet, there's a sense that "Tu" hasn't fully grasped the consequences of his actions, described as not understanding "il peso dei tuoi passi" (the weight of your steps) and having "senza progetti nel cassetto" (no plans in the drawer). This sets up a contrast between a seemingly simple life and an apparent lack of foresight. The chorus, however, introduces a complex emotional landscape. The repeated "Viva questa vita" (Long live this life) is juxtaposed with "un'emozione ormai passata" (an emotion now past) and "l'amarezza di un bel giorno" (the bitterness of a beautiful day). This suggests a bittersweet acknowledgment of life's experiences, both positive and negative, and a recognition of lessons learned. The narrator also embraces "tutti i baci che mi hai dato" (all the kisses you gave me) and the duality of self, "Quello che diventerò e che sono stato" (What I will become and what I have been), indicating a deep personal connection and reflection tied to "Tu." A striking element is the portrayal of "Tu" living "alla giornata" (day by day), with "pacchetti di MS da fumare" (packs of MS cigarettes to smoke) and "polmoni a banda larga" (wide-band lungs), implying a certain indulgence or disregard for future health. This leads to a "conto da pagare" (bill to pay), a consequence of this impulsive lifestyle. The lyrics suggest a conscious choice to "simulandoci il diritto di sbagliare" (simulating the right to make mistakes), highlighting a deliberate embrace of imperfection and the learning that comes from it. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their ability to capture a specific, almost nostalgic, character study. The details, from the "calabrese da sposare" to the "calzoni di velluto" (velvet trousers) of the seventies, ground the narrative in a tangible reality. The narrator's ambivalent yet affectionate tone towards "Tu," acknowledging both flaws and past affections, creates a poignant reflection on how we are shaped by our choices, our past selves, and the people who have touched our lives, even if they lived "alla giornata."