The reggae band from Turin, named after one of Bob Marley’s songs and lead … Read Full Bio ↴The reggae band from Turin, named after one of Bob Marley’s songs and lead by Bunna and Madaski, who have produced all their own albums and also most of the reggae bands' in Italy. They formed in 1981, when Marley prematurely died. For 25 years Africa Unite has been producing high quality music, their background being top-class roots reggae; they have played hundreds of concerts, have taken part in a good number of international festivals, and have released over a dozen albums, establishing themselves as one of the most prestigious and popular Italian reggae bands.

Sotto Pelle
Africa Unite Lyrics

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RIT:Incancellabile come l'inchiostro sotto pelle
tatuami se vuoi ma non chiedere mai mai
di assomigliare a te non so clonare un'emozione anche se indelebile voglio restare per vincere.

Incastro di pelle colpi e respiro che è ubriaca e confonde qui anche l'aria brucia il pensiero un traguardo che non c'è il significato in qualsiasi gesto una parola un fremito il ritmo dei tuoi occhi diventa manifesto incomprensione assurdità non serve voltarsi non raccolgo la sfida sfida persa in partenza e sotto il battito del tempo si frantumano gli sguardi sfuardi che accecano.

RIT

(Grazie ad Alfredo per questo testo)

Overall Meaning

The song "Sotto Pelle" by Africa Unite talks about the complexities of relationships and the desire to remain true to oneself despite the pressures to conform. The chorus "Incancellabile come l'inchiostro sotto pelle" (Indelible like the ink under the skin) refers to the idea that one's true identity cannot be easily changed or erased, like a tattoo. The singer acknowledges that they can be tattooed, but they cannot be asked to become someone else, to clone an emotion or personality, even if it is desirable to win the affection of another.

The verses describe the confusion and intoxication caused by the relationship, where the lines between the self and the other are blurred. The air around them burns with unattainable goals and incomprehensible actions. The rhythm of their partner's eyes becomes a manifestation of their emotional state, which is difficult to understand, leading to absurd challenges that cannot be won. The passage of time fractures the relationship, making it incomprehensible and blinding.

The final verse speaks directly to the partner with whom the singer is intertwined. They are seeking an uncertain path together, always climbing uphill with the certainty that they will never stop. Their hearts race with anticipation, but they are also filled with apprehension, as this habit is a fortress that they cannot break free of. The chorus is repeated three times to drive home the idea that one's true identity is indelible and cannot be changed.

Line by Line Meaning

Incancellabile come l'inchiostro sotto pelle
Unsentimental and indelible as ink under the skin.

Tatuami se vuoi ma non chiedere mai mai di assomigliare a te
Draw on me if you want, but never ask me to resemble you.

Non so clonare un'emozione anche se indelebile voglio restare per vincere.
I cannot reproduce an emotion, but I do want to stay true to myself in order to win.

Incastro di pelle colpi e respiro che è ubriaca e confonde qui anche l'aria brucia il pensiero
A tangle of skin, with punches and breath that inebriate and confuse, where even the air burns one's thoughts.

Un traguardo che non c'è il significato in qualsiasi gesto una parola un fremito
A goal that does not exist, and in any gesture, a word or a quiver, there is meaning.

Il ritmo dei tuoi occhi diventa manifesto incomprensione assurdità
The rhythm of your eyes becomes a clear indication of the incomprehensible absurdity.

Non serve voltarsi non raccolgo la sfida sfida persa in partenza e sotto il battito del tempo si frantumano gli sguardi sfuardi che accecano.
There's no need to turn around, I don't accept the challenge. It is a challenge lost from the beginning and the gazes shatter under the beat of time, blinding us.

Con te sto intreccio di fango e radici ricerca di una starda mai sicura con la certezza di andare in salita e non smettere mai proprio mai un'avvolgente fibra respira il cuore accellera poi si ribella ma l'abitudine è una scatola chiusa fortezza inespugnabile.
With you, I am entwined with mud and roots, searching for an uncertain road, certain only that it will be uphill, and we will never stop. An enveloping fiber breathes, the heart races, then rebels, but habit is a closed box, an impregnable fortress.

RIT:3 volte
Chorus repeated three times.

Contributed by Jason R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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