Una Donna Per Amico

Lucio Battisti's song 'Una Donna Per Amico' delves into the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between friendship and romantic love. The lyrics explore the narrator's internal conflict and emotional turmoil as he navigates his feelings for a woman who is both a friend and a potential romantic partner. The song opens with the narrator questioning his decision to choose a woman as a friend, acknowledging the complexities and potential pitfalls of such a relationship. He describes his life as a journey, filled with both mundane and unknown experiences, and his friend as a 'strong, weak companion' who sometimes learns and sometimes teaches.

The song captures the excitement and inevitable pain that comes with love, as the narrator and his friend take turns consoling each other through their individual heartbreaks. The narrator's frustration is palpable as he criticizes his friend's romantic choices, yet he admits that his advice may come off as hypocritical. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, the bond between the two remains strong, as they always find their way back to each other. The lyrics also touch on themes of jealousy and possessiveness, with the narrator admitting to feelings of love and confusion, while also recognizing the futility of trying to control his friend's actions.

Battisti's poetic language and vivid metaphors, such as comparing their relationship to a punctured tire that needs patching, highlight the resilience and enduring nature of their friendship. The song's recurring refrain, 'I chose you - a woman - as a friend,' underscores the narrator's simultaneous regret and acceptance of his choice. Ultimately, 'Una Donna Per Amico' is a poignant reflection on the blurred lines between friendship and love, and the emotional complexities that arise when these boundaries are tested.