Arlekino

Alla Pugacheva's 'Arlekino' is a song that delves into the complex emotions of a performer, specifically one who plays the role of a jester or clown. The lyrics describe the character Arlekino, which is the Russian name for Harlequin, a comedic servant character from the Italian Commedia dell'arte. The song's protagonist feels trapped in a world where their only purpose is to entertain others, symbolized by the endless roads and the mask without a face. The mask represents the persona they must adopt to make others laugh, hiding their true identity and feelings.

The chorus emphasizes the expectation placed on Arlekino to be funny for everyone, with laughter being their only reward. This reflects the often overlooked emotional labor of entertainers who are expected to be perpetually jovial for the sake of their audience. The song contrasts the strongmen who perform feats of strength and receive adoration and flowers, with Arlekino, who fills the intermissions, suggesting a hierarchy of value in performance art.

As the song progresses, Arlekino expresses a growing difficulty in making the audience laugh, revealing a deeper existential crisis. The character likens themselves to Hamlet, Shakespeare's tragic hero, suggesting a rich inner life and turmoil beneath the comedic exterior. The final lines of the song hint at a desire to remove the mask and change the world, but the tears of the performer remain unseen. The song ends with a resigned acceptance of the role, with Arlekino acknowledging their skill in playing the part well, albeit with a hint of sarcasm in the laughter.