Per abitudine

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a person grappling with the inertia of routine versus the desire for something more, even if that something is difficult or unlikely. The opening lines present a choice: to be a rebel or a follower, but immediately caution against rushing when feeling suffocated, suggesting that panic leads to a premature end. This sets up a core tension between action and inaction, risk and safety, all under the shadow of habit. The central conflict emerges in the contrast between the mundane and the extraordinary. The narrator finds themselves drawn to the "unlikely cordiality" and questions the difficulty of daring to ask "how are you." This suggests a struggle to break free from a predictable, perhaps isolating, existence and connect authentically. The repeated idea of "lacking air" and the advice to "not run" or "not choose" but rather to "wait" or "deflate a balloon" highlights a pervasive sense of stagnation and the passive acceptance of circumstances. The most striking aspect is the recurring phrase "per abitudine" (by habit). It frames the narrator's actions, or lack thereof, as driven by ingrained patterns rather than genuine desire or conscious choice. Whether it's remaining "invisible," letting time stretch, or even falling in love "continuously" and believing it's "forever," habit seems to be the underlying force. This is powerfully illustrated by the image of building "castles in the air" and then "changing air" only to realize the limits, a cycle that feels dictated by routine. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the quiet desperation of feeling stuck. The writing effectively uses simple, relatable imagery like "lacking air" and "deflating a balloon" to convey a profound sense of being overwhelmed and passive. The repeated questioning in the chorus – "Do you ever think about it?" – invites the listener to recognize their own struggles with routine and the quiet courage it takes to simply ask someone how they are.