Soldi

The song 'Soldi' by Italian singer Mahmood is a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the impact of materialism. The lyrics paint a picture of a strained relationship between the protagonist and a parental figure, possibly his father, where the pursuit of money ('soldi' in Italian) has caused emotional detachment and betrayal.

The song's verses describe a setting where the protagonist's mother warns him about someone's deceitful nature, which is later revealed to be the father's. The father's actions, such as drinking champagne during Ramadan and watching TV, suggest a disregard for cultural and religious norms, highlighting a conflict between traditional values and modern behaviors. The repeated questioning 'Mi chiede come va, come va, come va' (He asks me how it's going, how it's going, how it's going) reflects a superficial concern that lacks genuine emotional connection.

The chorus emphasizes the central theme of money and its corrosive effect on relationships. The protagonist realizes that his father's affection was conditional and tied to financial gain. The emotional climax of the song comes with the Arabic phrase 'Waladi waladi habibi ta’aleena' (My son, my son, my darling, come here), which contrasts the tender words with the harsh reality of the father's absence. The final lines poignantly ask 'Ieri eri qua, ora dove sei, papà?' (Yesterday you were here, now where are you, dad?), underscoring the sense of abandonment and longing for a time when the relationship was untainted by greed.