Sentimiento Nuevo (Spanish Version)

Song Meaning

Franco Battiato's "Sentimiento Nuevo," even in its Spanish iteration, is less a conventional love song and more an intellectualized ode to sensual and emotional liberation. The "new feeling" he sings of isn't simply infatuation; it's a profound shift in perspective, a shedding of inhibitions that allows for a deeper, more primal connection. The lyrics are steeped in historical and mythological references, drawing parallels between contemporary experience and ancient archetypes of desire. He juxtaposes the "mythical appetites of Libyan courtesans" with "pre-Alexandrian forms of love," suggesting a timeless quality to the human pursuit of pleasure and intimacy. The song positions this connection as something transformative, a force capable of elevating life itself. Battiato doesn't shy away from the physical aspects of love, describing "muscles of the body ready for coupling" and the unleashing of pleasure. Yet, even these overtly sensual descriptions are filtered through a sophisticated lens, referencing "Asian Shivaism of Dionysian style" and the "pornographic struggle of Greeks and Latins." This isn't mere lust; it's an exploration of the body as a site of both pleasure and spiritual awakening. The repeated line about inhibitions suggests a deliberate act of defiance against societal constraints, a conscious choice to embrace the full spectrum of human experience. The reference to geishas further reinforces the theme of disciplined sensuality and the art of refined pleasure. The recurring chorus, "It is beautiful to get lost in this miracle," encapsulates the song's central theme. The miracle isn't just the act of love itself, but the transcendence it offers – a temporary escape from the mundane and a merging of two souls. Battiato's comparison of his lover's voice to the sirens of Ulysses highlights the seductive and potentially dangerous nature of this connection. Like Ulysses, he's drawn to the allure, knowing full well the risks involved, yet unable to resist the intoxicating pull. The final image of the lover's body as "balm in the desert" reinforces the idea of love as a source of solace and renewal, a vital force in a barren world. Ultimately, "Sentimiento Nuevo" is a celebration of love's transformative power, its ability to break down barriers and transport us to a realm of pure, unadulterated experience.