Inch'Allah

Salvatore Adamo's song 'Inch'Allah' is a deeply moving and evocative piece that delves into the complexities and tragedies of the Middle East, particularly focusing on Jerusalem. The song opens with a poetic description of the Orient, adorned with the moon as its banner, setting a serene and almost mystical tone. However, this tranquility is quickly shattered as the singer witnesses the harsh realities of Jerusalem, symbolized as a poppy on a rock, and hears a requiem, a mournful song for the dead, highlighting the city's history of conflict and sorrow.

The lyrics then shift to a humble chapel, a symbol of peace, which is overshadowed by the harsh realities of danger and borders. The imagery of birds covering the fiery letters of 'danger' and 'border' with their wings suggests a desire to hide or protect from the harsh truths. The mention of Mary Magdalene, a biblical figure often associated with redemption and compassion, being devalued, underscores the dehumanization and suffering experienced by many. The repeated invocation of 'Inch'Allah' (God willing) throughout the song serves as a poignant prayer for peace and hope amidst the turmoil.

Adamo further explores the personal and collective grief through the imagery of an olive tree mourning its shadow, representing loss and longing. The butterfly on barbed wire and the trembling children of Israel evoke a sense of fragile beauty and innocence caught in the crossfire of conflict. The song also pays homage to the six million souls lost in the Holocaust, who, despite the 'infamous sand,' have left a legacy of resilience and growth, symbolized by the six million trees. 'Inch'Allah' is a powerful lament and a hopeful plea for a future where peace and humanity prevail over division and strife.