Caruso

The song 'Caruso', performed by the legendary tenor Luciano Pavarotti, is a poignant tribute to the power of love, the beauty of music, and the bittersweet nature of life's fleeting moments. The lyrics tell the story of a man on a terrace overlooking the Gulf of Sorrento, embracing a young woman after she has cried. As he clears his throat, he begins to sing, expressing deep affection with the Italian phrase 'Te voglio bene assaie' which translates to 'I love you very much'. The repetition of this line throughout the song underscores the depth of his emotion.

The man reflects on his life, contemplating the lights on the sea which remind him of nights in America, but they are merely fishing boats and the trail of a propeller. The music brings him pain, yet when he sees the moon emerge from a cloud, he finds a sweetness in the thought of death. The tears in the young woman's green eyes, reminiscent of the sea, move him deeply, making him feel as though he is drowning in emotion. This powerful imagery conveys the intensity of the man's feelings and the connection he has with the woman.

The song also touches on the theme of life's illusions and the transformative power of performance. The 'power of the lyric' where every drama is fake, and with makeup and mimicry, one can become someone else, speaks to the escapism that art provides. However, the authenticity of the woman's gaze brings him back to reality, making everything else seem insignificant, including his past in America. The song concludes with an acceptance of life's end, but also with a sense of contentment and a return to his singing, suggesting that despite life's hardships, there is joy and beauty to be found in love and music.