Il Ciliegio

Angelo Branduardi's song 'Il Ciliegio' is a poignant narrative that delves into themes of aging, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics tell the story of an old man who, despite his weariness, desires to take a cherished flower with him. This flower symbolizes the last vestige of beauty and life before the inevitable arrival of winter, a metaphor for death or the end of a significant phase in life. The old gardener's reluctance to part with his last flower underscores the human tendency to cling to the remnants of vitality and joy as we face the twilight of our lives.

As the story unfolds, the old man encounters a woman who asks for the cherries from his tree, explaining that she needs them because she is expecting a child. This request stirs a complex mix of emotions in the old man, including anger and a sense of injustice, as he feels the weight of his own impending end juxtaposed against the woman's new beginning. His initial refusal and the subsequent intervention of the child's father, who ultimately picks the cherries, highlight the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

The recurring line 'e l'inverno viene giù' (and the winter comes down) serves as a haunting reminder of the inexorable march of time. Branduardi's use of natural imagery, such as the cherry tree and its blossoms, enriches the narrative, making it a deeply moving reflection on the human condition. The song's melancholic tone and introspective lyrics invite listeners to contemplate their own lives, the things they hold dear, and the transient nature of existence.