"La Testa Sui Binari" by Umberto Tozzi is a song that reflects the struggles and challenges faced by artists in the bustling city life. The lyrics depict the narrator's experiences and thoughts as they navigate through the hardships of living in a metropolis. The song opens by describing the chaos and stormy conditions of the city. The narrator reminisces about their past and feels overwhelmed by the high prices of a restaurant. They wonder about the fate of their guitar, which may have been pawned off at a pawn shop. The lyrics also mention the uncertainty of receiving a call, possibly from a loved one. The next verse introduces the theme of hunger and deception. The empty stomach becomes an invitation to give up, and the narrator feels the need to constantly deceive disappointed parents. They consider a bill as something existential when things are tough and decide that ending it all wouldn't be such a bad idea. As the song progresses, the narrator finds themselves with their head on the tracks, observing an ethereal figure against the blue sky. They realize it's not someone working on the railway but rather a representation of a beautiful blue sky. This enchanted blue sky is described as something rare and elusive, suggesting that moments of tranquility and hope are scarce in the city. The lyrics continue with the portrayal of another individual, a boy dreaming of a restaurant while leaning against a window. As his first guitar is taken away by a pawn shop, the narrator understands the longing and the hunger an artist feels. The empty stomach becomes part of the artist's myth, as long as it doesn't become the reason to stop hoping. The song emphasizes the loneliness that can lead to a downward spiral, but the narrator realizes there is only the embrace of a beautiful blue sky outside. Overall, "La Testa Sui Binari" tells a story of the struggle and sacrifices endured by artists in a bustling city. It highlights the hunger, deception, and loneliness they experience but also acknowledges the importance of finding solace in small moments of beauty, symbolized by the enchanting blue sky.
