L'Ottimista

Antonello Venditti's song "L'Ottimista" paints a vivid and satirical portrait of an eternal optimist. The character described in the song is born prematurely, yet stands tall and ready to face the world with a freshly ironed shirt and a determined jawline. This optimist is depicted as having a vaguely socialist air, suggesting a certain political leaning that is more about appearance than substance. The repeated assertion that he "never makes mistakes" underscores a sense of infallibility, which is both admirable and slightly absurd.

The song delves into the social habits of this optimist, who frequents various social circles as long as they are fashionable. His conversations are monotonous, always revolving around a patriotic love for Italy, symbolized by the red carnation, a traditional socialist emblem. Despite his serious demeanor when discussing the state of affairs, his mood brightens considerably at mealtime, highlighting a superficiality in his concerns. This duality is a critique of those who present themselves as deeply engaged with societal issues but are ultimately driven by personal comfort and pleasure.

Venditti's lyrics also incorporate a humorous biblical reference, where Jesus encounters the optimist walking on water and humorously tells him to keep off his territory. This interaction further emphasizes the character's audacious self-confidence. The song concludes with the optimist envisioning grandiose urban projects along the Tiber River, again reflecting his boundless ambition and self-assuredness. Through this character, Venditti offers a satirical commentary on the nature of optimism, political posturing, and the often superficial engagement with societal issues.