Do you remember when Horace wrote a poem that would define a whole new genre? Because I do. I'm talking about “The Art of Poetry” or “Ars Poetica”, as he called it. As the best teacher put it, he expressed his opinion about what poetry should be and how the poet should see it. Horace thought poetry goes beyond theory and should be treated as an art. While nobody disagrees on that one, there have been many others who have written about poetry. Some of those turned their verse into music and created concept albums, also known as albums adored by philosophy enthusiasts. One of those is Måneskin's debut, namely “Il Ballo Della Vita”. In the following paragraphs, I'm going to obsess over this one while I talk about Marlena. Disclaimer: this is just an opinion, don't take it too seriously.
Let's address the elephant in the room: who is Marlena, and why am I so obsessed? Frankly, she is not a real person, but rather a goddess who blesses the band in terms of creative expression. In other words, she's their muse like in the Greek myths. She represents everything about creativity, from the liberating feeling of expressing yourself to the sense of emptiness of burnout. She is also the freedom of thought and the capacity to illustrate it, to give it a form through art. This idea alone made me become obsessed, especially with a few songs. Also, as if to feed this, my best friend gifted me the album on Christmas. I have listened to it for about 3-4 in a day, and I'm very close to learning Italian thanks to this band. But that's already off-topic; let's stick to the concept.
The album starts with a new song, quite literally. With it comes a new feeling that is naturally accompanied by discomfort. Something is missing, but the new sensation cannot only fill that space but also overflow it. It is a great dream that goes beyond the locked minds, yet something that can be learned if there's a will. Then, in all this confusion, a call to the muse is made and a warning of distance towards those who are “trapped in their minds”. It is a blessing that leaves the writer breathless. But since the past tense is used, he indicates that the muse might be quite distant at the moment. This leads to a flow of contradicting emotions regarding the song of the goddess and wish to create, which is detailed in the second song of the album.
“Torna a casa” describes the feeling that appears in the absence of art, the emptiness given by the inability to express oneself. In this one, the muse is personified by being given a name, Marlena. In the first part of the song, the lyrics describe a sunset with closed doors and a sun on the horizon. The only image in the writer's mind is that of Marlena's red cheek and the hand that healed his snake bites, despite everyone's curses and his thorns. Then the chorus begs the muse to return to avoid the freezing feeling of disappearing. The second part of the song describes a sunrise that illuminates people's blind spots. However, despite all the hardship, the writer is willing to move forward, learn to forgive themselves, and allow Marlena to improve their life. Still, this song has enough material to write an essay about or join a different dimension.
“L'altra dimensione” speaks about the joy that follows when we find our voice. The will to create becomes even stronger when we listen to the muse's song. The lyrics start by swearing to pack everything and move to another dimension, tired of everyone's gray faces. The writer wants colours, which they cannot reach amongst people with figures full of sweat. Thus, they ask Marlena to take them for a dance, the dance of life. The creative force has now the power to give birth to new worlds and has also the capacity to heal all wounds. The writer admits having risen from the ashes like a phoenix, and even learning to fly, simply because they packed everything and kissed Marlena. Then we find out the dance of life is led by her, by art and creativity. She can teach the steps as well as a way to fight for such a vision. The carelessness for the outside world leads to the next song.
“Shit Blvd” details the carelessness that comes with the vision. The writer expresses that they only want to sing their song, though split between desire and hatred. Then we see a reference to Icarus and the desperate will to “fly away”. The words in the mind now make sense, and the muse perhaps trusts the writer more. In the end, it's all a dream that demands to be lived alongside her, a dream where fear should be absent. The boulevard is trying to imprison or limit ideas, but the artist already has wings and is ready to fly fearlessly, as it's detailed in the following piece.
“Fear for Nobody” goes into detail about the courage to create. The artist is begging themselves not to close their eyes, not to succumb to a narrow vision. The tears have dried out, leading to a sort of numbness that is parallel to the will to express oneself. The writer then admits to having no fear and asks the muse to show him the reason for it. The dream slowly becomes reality and the courage to fight is born. It becomes a unique story that doesn't care about endless disapproval. But what happens when you lose that fire?
“Le parole lontane”, my personal favourite, details the fleeting nature of the muse and what it feels like not to be around her. When we're writing and feeling as if something's changed, even the air doesn't feel the same. We want to believe it was real, although the anxiety is rising and bringing tears with it. The writer wants to swim, yet not drown because the words feel distant when Marlena isn't around. They want to scream, despite the possibility it might be in vain. Then time burns and changes the nature of creation, which leads to more tears before the storm that turns everything around. Words become futile, so much so that singing is done silently; the feeling is expressed by a mute. The winter freezes and the paralysis becomes fearsome since the legs simply give out. The writer begs Marlena to return to them because, by losing her, they may not be able to walk again. Still, burning oneself out leads to rebirth and maybe even immortality.
“Immortale” speaks about the invincibility that comes along with creation and the power it brings to the writer. Thus, in a way, it re-writes the myth of Prometheus, who wanted to share the gift of fire and light with the mortal world. Same with the writer of these lyrics, they want to share their gift with those who need it. That's why those who dislike it leave before they have a chance to be touched, they don't want to interact with it. A lesson is to be learned from past mistakes, one that leads to flying high like Icarus. Some take the leap for money, some others for immortality and the joy of being listened to. Even in the darkest of times, the moon guards the artist; they are still standing despite the scars on the back. Because of that, a flower blooms without waiting for the spring. A new big bang takes place, and a new planet or even universe is born. Afterward, confidence becomes indifference to the outside world.
“Lasciami stare” is all about the freedom and indifference one needs to be an artist. We need to be able to say “leave me alone” so that we can get the quiet necessary to create. The time will pass quicker unless we write the words that nobody said before. We will be considered crazy, but we'll know those who say it might as well be lying. Writing songs, and expressing our minds liberates us from the handcuffs many others accept and even praise. Thus, we'll be able to see that they are tied like puppets. Later, we'll realise that our songs might last forever, and we'll learn to say “Give me a break”. That's when a new will and energy to be reborn, to wash ourselves from the dirt, returns to us. Everyone's masks become obvious while we try to show what's ours. Being told that we're too young, that it's too early, doesn't bother us anymore, but we're aware we're not doing it for fame or money; we do it to ensure our view. But we still have to remember the rhythm.
“Are You Ready?” asks the listener to be prepared to let their guard down and move with the flow. All one needs to do is remember the rhythm. From that, everything becomes possible; suddenly, dust catches fire, and you are ready to throw yourself into an unknown territory. As terrifying as that risk may be, it is worth trying if it brings you to the top.
“Close to the Top” acknowledges the ascending way the artist has ahead of them. The clocks say that it's now their moment to shine brightly like never before. Those who chose to stay behind will remain there and cry; those are warned to keep their distance. Then, the fear withers and makes room for growth. The light embraces the darkness, the hatred embraces the acceptance to the point where we've got nothing to say.
“Niente da dire” discusses the satisfaction with one's art. We want to fly, to hear our names in all the cities; we want to communicate a message and just savor reality for a second. Thus, we learn to let go of the guilt that can seem paralysing, along with all the doubts. That's how we find a cure for the wounds we have. Then the fuel burns, we get hurt and smile because that's how reality is: like the water of the sea that makes everything visible. We find nothing to add or laugh about, other than the acknowledgement of tearing down the thorns and starting to live. So Marlena accompanies the writer on a walk under the moonlight. She is warned not to listen to the mermaid's song because the artist doesn't want to drown either. Fear is thus forgotten, and the honest memory is written as poetry so that the night isn't scary. These are the conditions under which one can die as a king.
“Moriro da re” is the conclusion to the concept. With exercise comes a sort of certainty of your abilities, a feeling which is detailed in this song. Although everything is uphill, the writer chooses to take Marlena by the hand and redesign the whole world. With the luggage ready, the two plan to shine through the grey night. Along with her, the artist admits they can now die as a king, with all the glory and fame. Not even sickness or tiredness can stop them from advancing like fire, taking everything with them. They are ready to face the crowd and whatever comes ahead; without going back, they prepare to leave. Then Marlena wins the evening with her beauty and honesty. With her, the wind will blow in the sail for a light travel and the artist can die as a king.
How obsessed am I, on a scale from 1 to 5? Well, considering this is my longest article so far, you can do the maths. Once again, I am THIS close to learning Italian thanks to this band. Do I recommend the album? Yes. Do I recommend following its concepts? Also yes, if you want to learn to express yourself. Now, I'll wrap it up here. Back to the tea and sonnets!🍵
Let's address the elephant in the room: who is Marlena, and why am I so obsessed? Frankly, she is not a real person, but rather a goddess who blesses the band in terms of creative expression. In other words, she's their muse like in the Greek myths. She represents everything about creativity, from the liberating feeling of expressing yourself to the sense of emptiness of burnout. She is also the freedom of thought and the capacity to illustrate it, to give it a form through art. This idea alone made me become obsessed, especially with a few songs. Also, as if to feed this, my best friend gifted me the album on Christmas. I have listened to it for about 3-4 in a day, and I'm very close to learning Italian thanks to this band. But that's already off-topic; let's stick to the concept.
The album starts with a new song, quite literally. With it comes a new feeling that is naturally accompanied by discomfort. Something is missing, but the new sensation cannot only fill that space but also overflow it. It is a great dream that goes beyond the locked minds, yet something that can be learned if there's a will. Then, in all this confusion, a call to the muse is made and a warning of distance towards those who are “trapped in their minds”. It is a blessing that leaves the writer breathless. But since the past tense is used, he indicates that the muse might be quite distant at the moment. This leads to a flow of contradicting emotions regarding the song of the goddess and wish to create, which is detailed in the second song of the album.
“Torna a casa” describes the feeling that appears in the absence of art, the emptiness given by the inability to express oneself. In this one, the muse is personified by being given a name, Marlena. In the first part of the song, the lyrics describe a sunset with closed doors and a sun on the horizon. The only image in the writer's mind is that of Marlena's red cheek and the hand that healed his snake bites, despite everyone's curses and his thorns. Then the chorus begs the muse to return to avoid the freezing feeling of disappearing. The second part of the song describes a sunrise that illuminates people's blind spots. However, despite all the hardship, the writer is willing to move forward, learn to forgive themselves, and allow Marlena to improve their life. Still, this song has enough material to write an essay about or join a different dimension.
“L'altra dimensione” speaks about the joy that follows when we find our voice. The will to create becomes even stronger when we listen to the muse's song. The lyrics start by swearing to pack everything and move to another dimension, tired of everyone's gray faces. The writer wants colours, which they cannot reach amongst people with figures full of sweat. Thus, they ask Marlena to take them for a dance, the dance of life. The creative force has now the power to give birth to new worlds and has also the capacity to heal all wounds. The writer admits having risen from the ashes like a phoenix, and even learning to fly, simply because they packed everything and kissed Marlena. Then we find out the dance of life is led by her, by art and creativity. She can teach the steps as well as a way to fight for such a vision. The carelessness for the outside world leads to the next song.
“Shit Blvd” details the carelessness that comes with the vision. The writer expresses that they only want to sing their song, though split between desire and hatred. Then we see a reference to Icarus and the desperate will to “fly away”. The words in the mind now make sense, and the muse perhaps trusts the writer more. In the end, it's all a dream that demands to be lived alongside her, a dream where fear should be absent. The boulevard is trying to imprison or limit ideas, but the artist already has wings and is ready to fly fearlessly, as it's detailed in the following piece.
“Fear for Nobody” goes into detail about the courage to create. The artist is begging themselves not to close their eyes, not to succumb to a narrow vision. The tears have dried out, leading to a sort of numbness that is parallel to the will to express oneself. The writer then admits to having no fear and asks the muse to show him the reason for it. The dream slowly becomes reality and the courage to fight is born. It becomes a unique story that doesn't care about endless disapproval. But what happens when you lose that fire?
“Le parole lontane”, my personal favourite, details the fleeting nature of the muse and what it feels like not to be around her. When we're writing and feeling as if something's changed, even the air doesn't feel the same. We want to believe it was real, although the anxiety is rising and bringing tears with it. The writer wants to swim, yet not drown because the words feel distant when Marlena isn't around. They want to scream, despite the possibility it might be in vain. Then time burns and changes the nature of creation, which leads to more tears before the storm that turns everything around. Words become futile, so much so that singing is done silently; the feeling is expressed by a mute. The winter freezes and the paralysis becomes fearsome since the legs simply give out. The writer begs Marlena to return to them because, by losing her, they may not be able to walk again. Still, burning oneself out leads to rebirth and maybe even immortality.
“Immortale” speaks about the invincibility that comes along with creation and the power it brings to the writer. Thus, in a way, it re-writes the myth of Prometheus, who wanted to share the gift of fire and light with the mortal world. Same with the writer of these lyrics, they want to share their gift with those who need it. That's why those who dislike it leave before they have a chance to be touched, they don't want to interact with it. A lesson is to be learned from past mistakes, one that leads to flying high like Icarus. Some take the leap for money, some others for immortality and the joy of being listened to. Even in the darkest of times, the moon guards the artist; they are still standing despite the scars on the back. Because of that, a flower blooms without waiting for the spring. A new big bang takes place, and a new planet or even universe is born. Afterward, confidence becomes indifference to the outside world.
“Lasciami stare” is all about the freedom and indifference one needs to be an artist. We need to be able to say “leave me alone” so that we can get the quiet necessary to create. The time will pass quicker unless we write the words that nobody said before. We will be considered crazy, but we'll know those who say it might as well be lying. Writing songs, and expressing our minds liberates us from the handcuffs many others accept and even praise. Thus, we'll be able to see that they are tied like puppets. Later, we'll realise that our songs might last forever, and we'll learn to say “Give me a break”. That's when a new will and energy to be reborn, to wash ourselves from the dirt, returns to us. Everyone's masks become obvious while we try to show what's ours. Being told that we're too young, that it's too early, doesn't bother us anymore, but we're aware we're not doing it for fame or money; we do it to ensure our view. But we still have to remember the rhythm.
“Are You Ready?” asks the listener to be prepared to let their guard down and move with the flow. All one needs to do is remember the rhythm. From that, everything becomes possible; suddenly, dust catches fire, and you are ready to throw yourself into an unknown territory. As terrifying as that risk may be, it is worth trying if it brings you to the top.
“Close to the Top” acknowledges the ascending way the artist has ahead of them. The clocks say that it's now their moment to shine brightly like never before. Those who chose to stay behind will remain there and cry; those are warned to keep their distance. Then, the fear withers and makes room for growth. The light embraces the darkness, the hatred embraces the acceptance to the point where we've got nothing to say.
“Niente da dire” discusses the satisfaction with one's art. We want to fly, to hear our names in all the cities; we want to communicate a message and just savor reality for a second. Thus, we learn to let go of the guilt that can seem paralysing, along with all the doubts. That's how we find a cure for the wounds we have. Then the fuel burns, we get hurt and smile because that's how reality is: like the water of the sea that makes everything visible. We find nothing to add or laugh about, other than the acknowledgement of tearing down the thorns and starting to live. So Marlena accompanies the writer on a walk under the moonlight. She is warned not to listen to the mermaid's song because the artist doesn't want to drown either. Fear is thus forgotten, and the honest memory is written as poetry so that the night isn't scary. These are the conditions under which one can die as a king.
“Moriro da re” is the conclusion to the concept. With exercise comes a sort of certainty of your abilities, a feeling which is detailed in this song. Although everything is uphill, the writer chooses to take Marlena by the hand and redesign the whole world. With the luggage ready, the two plan to shine through the grey night. Along with her, the artist admits they can now die as a king, with all the glory and fame. Not even sickness or tiredness can stop them from advancing like fire, taking everything with them. They are ready to face the crowd and whatever comes ahead; without going back, they prepare to leave. Then Marlena wins the evening with her beauty and honesty. With her, the wind will blow in the sail for a light travel and the artist can die as a king.
How obsessed am I, on a scale from 1 to 5? Well, considering this is my longest article so far, you can do the maths. Once again, I am THIS close to learning Italian thanks to this band. Do I recommend the album? Yes. Do I recommend following its concepts? Also yes, if you want to learn to express yourself. Now, I'll wrap it up here. Back to the tea and sonnets!🍵
(source of the image: https://recensiamomusica.com/maneskin-il-ballo-della-vita/)
