In the early-to-mid-70s, Italy was one the European countries most interested in this genre; many English bands such as Genesis, Van der Graaf Generator and Gentle Giant were discovered by the Italian public before they had consolidated a fan base in their home country. Consequently, progressive Italian groups were prolific. Some received worldwide attention, such as Premiata Forneria Marconi, Area, Le Orme and Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. Most of the bands, however, were mainly known inside Italy.
As CD reissues started appearing and the Internet made information flow easier during the 1990s, the Italian bands were discovered and rediscovered by a number of progressive rock fans internationally. Reissues proved so successful that several recordings which were never released at the time received their first pressings on CD in the 1990s and 2000s. The "discovery" of Italian progressive rock by foreign fans also led to bands such as Celeste being re-evaluated as core bands, despite the fact that they were virtually unknown in Italy at the time.
The 1990s also saw a resurgence in bands performing progressive rock. The first of the well known bands to do so was Ezra Winston, but other groups such as Finisterre, Deus Ex Machina, and Moongarden soon established themselves as well respected progressive rock acts. More recently La Torre dell'Alchimista and La Maschera di Cera have carried on the Italian progressive rock tradition, sporting a very 1970's style.
Per Un Amico
Premiata Forneria Marconi Lyrics
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The lyrics of "Per un amico" by Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) convey a message of encouragement and motivation in times of hardship. The opening line, "Non domandarmi se un giorno cambier�" (Don't ask me if one day things will change), sets the stage for a discussion of how to make positive changes in one's life. The lyrics continue, "comincia a fare qualcosa e cambier� con te cambier�" (start doing something and it will change, it will change with you). This can be interpreted as an optimistic call to action - the idea that taking action towards a better future can bring about real change.
The second line of the song, "Tu scappi e poi ti nascondi e non si pu�" (You run away and then hide and it's impossible), references a sense of frustration and hopelessness that can come with trying to make changes. The lyrics go on to say, "tu vivi i tuoi compromessi e non si pu�" (you live your compromises and it's impossible). This could be interpreted as a commentary on the difficulties of balancing personal ambitions and expectations with external pressures and constraints.
The final lines of the song, "non � pi� tempo di sogni devi lottare di pi�, di pi�, di pi�" (there's no more time for dreaming, you have to fight harder, harder, harder), drive home the central message of the song. It calls for action and determination in the face of obstacles, asserting that dreams can only be achieved through persistent effort and persistence.
Overall, "Per un amico" by PFM is a deeply introspective and motivational song that emphasizes the importance of taking control of one's life and working towards a brighter future.
Line by Line Meaning
Non domandarmi se un giorno cambier�, comincia a fare qualcosa e cambier� con te cambier�.
Don't ask me if things will change one day, start taking actions and they will change with you. Things will change for the better if you take responsibility.
Tu scappi e poi ti nascondi e non si pu�, tu vivi i tuoi compromessi e non si pu�...
You run away and hide, but you can't keep doing that. You live with your compromises, but that's not sustainable.
Non � pi� tempo di sogni devi lottare di pi�, di pi�, di pi�...
It's no longer time for dreaming; you have to fight harder, more and more. Dreams alone don't bring results, you need to work for them.
Contributed by Lucas S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.