Ah la Paterna mano
A BOCELLI Lyrics

The lyrics of Andrea Bocelli's "Ah la Paterna mano" convey profound themes of loss, anguish, and yearning for redemption amid the backdrop of familial and political strife. The opening lines, "O figli, o figli miei," establish a poignant and intimate connection, suggesting a parent's lamentation over the plight of their children. This cry captures the essence of a deep emotional bond, one marked by profound tragedy. The mention of a "tiranno" (tyrant) violently taking life insinuates a historical or political context in which innocence is ravaged by cruelty. The use of "madre sventurata" indicates not only personal loss but amplifies the sense of collective grief, as the anguish extends beyond the individual, affecting the mother and, inadvertently, the whole community. Thus, the beginning reflects a deeply personal sorrow interwoven with broader societal turmoil.

The imagery of being ensnared by the "artigli di quel Tigre" evokes feelings of vulnerability and helplessness. The singer reflects on a moment of abandonment as they were forced to leave their loved ones in the face of danger. This stark metaphor of the tiger emphasizes predation and the ferocious nature of the threat faced, painting a vivid picture of desperation. The poignant sentiment of "Ah, la paterna mano" speaks to the protective nature of a parent, lamenting the fact that it failed to shield the beloved children from danger. This line encapsulates a universal struggle with the limitations of parental power in the face of malevolence. The phrase “non vi fu scudo” resonates strongly, suggesting that the hopes and intentions of parental love were rendered ineffective against the onslaught of treachery and violence.

In the subsequent lines, the theme of helplessness continues as the singer laments that their calls for assistance went unanswered—“voi chiamavate invano.” There’s a deep sense of emotional and physical distance as the deceased children’s last cries resonate in an unbearable way with the singer. The repetition of "coll'ultimo singulto" heightens the grief, emphasizing the finality of their breaths and the irreversible nature of loss. This serves to evoke a visceral response in the listener, encapsulating the crushing weight of despair as the singer reflects on that desperate moment of separation from family, bound by love yet torn by circumstance. The repeated emphasis on the trial of the last moments of life underscores the emotional depth of the song; here lies a reflection on mortality and the anguish stemming from a fractured familial bond.

Towards the conclusion, entreaties are directed towards a higher power, revealing a glimmer of hope amidst the desolation. The singer’s plea for forgiveness, both for the tyrant and himself, introduces the concept of redemption and mercy. The invocation of “Signore” is both a cry of desperation and a search for divine intervention, expressing the desire for reconciliation even with the enemy. The dream of the tyrant receiving the "braccia del tuo perdono" reflects a complex understanding of humanity, urging the listener to contemplate the capacity for forgiveness even amidst profound acts of violence. The cyclical nature of the pleas reinforces the singer’s helplessness, lingering in a state of sorrowful yearning that encapsulates the human condition: to seek solace, understanding, and ultimately forgiveness in a world riddled with suffering and loss. This depth of yearning resonates throughout the song, urging the audience to empathize with the singer’s plight, while reflecting on their own experiences of love, loss, and the desire for grace.