The song "Gente Di Mare" by Italian singer Umberto Tozzi tells the story of people from the plains, city dwellers who are experts in navigating urban cities, and their relationship with the sea. The lyrics depict a mix of fascination, fear, and longing for the sea. The song reflects on the contrast between the people's everyday lives in the city and their desires for freedom and exploration represented by the sea. The "idea of too much freedom" refers to the fear of stepping out of their comfort zones and breaking away from their routines. Despite their initial hesitations, the people in the song are described as having the sea ingrained in their essence. They have traces of the sea on their hair, symbolizing their deep connection with it. The women waiting with shawls in the cold represent their longing for something unknown, but they don't know what exactly they are waiting for. The lyrics also convey a sense of nostalgia and the urge to escape. The people of the sea are described as those who leave, not knowing where they are headed. They die from nostalgia when they return home but then quickly die again from the desire to leave once more. When they stand on the shore, their gaze drifts towards the horizon, representing their dreams and thoughts carried away by the sea. The idea of "too much freedom" resurfaces, as they fear being consumed by the allure of the unknown and unconstrained possibilities. The chorus repeats the phrase "Gente Di Mare," which translates to "People of the Sea," emphasizing their identity and the pull they feel towards the ocean. It emphasizes their longing for the open sea and the unknown places it could take them. The song also recognizes the existence of people who have no knowledge about the lives and desires of those connected to the sea. The line "Beyond the sea, there is someone who doesn't know anything about you" reflects the isolation and misunderstanding often experienced by the "People of the Sea." The lyrics hint at the imprisoning nature of city life, with references to being prisoners in the city and living solely in the present and the past. However, despite being chained to reality, the "People of the Sea" will always go back to the sea, driven by their inner longing and desire for exploration. In summary, "Gente Di Mare" portrays the complex relationship between the city dwellers and the sea. It explores themes of fear, fascination, longing, and the constant desire for freedom and exploration.
