Dieci Ragazze

Lucio Battisti's 'Dieci Ragazze' is a poignant exploration of love, heartbreak, and the futile attempts to escape emotional pain through superficial relationships. The song opens with the narrator observing the profound impact of love on others, noting how it can lead to immense suffering. This sets the stage for his own story, where he seeks solace in the company of multiple women to forget a significant heartbreak. The repeated refrain, 'Dieci ragazze per me, posson bastare,' translates to 'Ten girls for me, they can be enough,' highlighting his desperate attempt to fill the void left by a lost love.

The lyrics delve into the narrator's reasoning for choosing these ten girls, each representing a different distraction or escape. Some are chosen for their physical attributes, like 'capelli biondi d'accarezzare' (blonde hair to caress) and 'labbra rosse sulle quali morire' (red lips to die on), while others are selected for their innocence or experience. This variety underscores the narrator's belief that diversifying his romantic encounters will help him forget his past love. However, the underlying tone suggests a sense of futility and self-deception, as he acknowledges that these relationships are merely superficial and cannot truly heal his emotional wounds.

Battisti's song also touches on the societal perceptions of love and heartbreak. The narrator questions the notion that he cannot live without his lost love, calling those who believe this 'matto' (crazy). Yet, he admits that this 'matto' knows him well, as the pain of his lost love is indeed profound. This duality reflects the internal conflict many face when dealing with heartbreak—oscillating between denial and acceptance. Battisti's emotive delivery and the melancholic melody further amplify the song's themes, making 'Dieci Ragazze' a timeless reflection on the complexities of love and the human condition.