This song was originally an Italian song titled "Il ragazzo della via Gluck" (or "The Boy From Gluck Street"), performed by Adriano Celentano (who was also one of the co-writers).
The original song was largely biographical in nature; Celentano was not only from Milan, but was born and grew up in the titular Gluck Street (Via Cristoforo Gluck).
In essence of the original song is that Celentano (presumably) announces he's leaving to seek his fame and fortune in the city. He says this with tears in his eyes but makes it clear his heart is still there and that he plans to return. He does return after eight years but to his dismay 'progress' has removed all the grass, as well as the meadows. The song is a nostalgic reflection on his childhood, and the impacts of post-war urbanization on Italy.
The Italian song made it's way to well known American songwriters Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance (who as a partnership wrote a number of hits including "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" and "Catch A Falling Star") and they were asked to put English lyrics to the tune. Although not a direct translation, I think they did a great job of capturing the intent and spirit of the original song.
The lyrics (both English and Italian) still work and are relevant today because:
1) The story told is one that is familiar to many people and relatable; a lot of us were born outside of major urban centres and when we grow up a sizeable number move to the cities largely looking for better money and better opportunities.
2) People tend to remember things from their childhood with a certain sense of nostalgia.
2) They convey the sense of desolation, isolation and loneliness people can feel, particularly in a big city, particularly if you've grown up in a country town or a close knit community.
3) There is clearly an environmental warning here. In the short term, bit by bit, changes happen. For the people 'back home' the changes are more subtle. For someone who has been absent for eight years, the changes are enormous. The more existential thoughts here are on unbridled development and what price we attach to that (and can we get it back again).
Well, I hope that's helpful (and that someone other than me is listening to this song!).
This song was originally an Italian song titled "Il ragazzo della via Gluck" (or "The Boy From Gluck Street"), performed by Adriano Celentano (who was also one of the co-writers).
The original song was largely biographical in nature; Celentano was not only from Milan, but was born and grew up in the titular Gluck Street (Via Cristoforo Gluck).
In essence of the original song is that Celentano (presumably) announces he's leaving to seek his fame and fortune in the city. He says this with tears in his eyes but makes it clear his heart is still there and that he plans to return. He does return after eight years but to his dismay 'progress' has removed all the grass, as well as the meadows. The song is a nostalgic reflection on his childhood, and the impacts of post-war urbanization on Italy.
The Italian song made it's way to well known American songwriters Lee Pockriss and Paul Vance (who as a partnership wrote a number of hits including "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini" and "Catch A Falling Star") and they were asked to put English lyrics to the tune. Although not a direct translation, I think they did a great job of capturing the intent and spirit of the original song.
The lyrics (both English and Italian) still work and are relevant today because:
1) The story told is one that is familiar to many people and relatable; a lot of us were born outside of major urban centres and when we grow up a sizeable number move to the cities largely looking for better money and better opportunities.
2) People tend to remember things from their childhood with a certain sense of nostalgia.
2) They convey the sense of desolation, isolation and loneliness people can feel, particularly in a big city, particularly if you've grown up in a country town or a close knit community.
3) There is clearly an environmental warning here. In the short term, bit by bit, changes happen. For the people 'back home' the changes are more subtle. For someone who has been absent for eight years, the changes are enormous. The more existential thoughts here are on unbridled development and what price we attach to that (and can we get it back again).
Well, I hope that's helpful (and that someone other than me is listening to this song!).