Ali
Agricantus Lyrics

The Agricantus song Ali is an emotional exploration of being an outsider and finding a sense of belonging. The opening lines speak of the chendergschrei, or the sound of jingling bells, in a hallway that smells of an old pissoir that has been tagged with graffiti. The singer hears a train in the distance and says that they want to go away, no matter where. The verses are punctuated with the refrain "cu l'ali, cu l'ali attaccati," which translates to "with wings, with wings attached," evoking a sense of longing to escape one's current situation.

The second verse continues the themes of feeling like an outsider and being disconnected from the world. The singer says that they feel like a chicken with clipped wings, flapping slowly. They hear distant and tired voices asking where the saints are. This line could refer to a desire for guidance or meaning but also speaks to the idea of feeling lost and searching for something more.

The final verse speaks to the realities of living in a marginalized community, known as "the periphery." Despite the challenges, the chorus tells us that they live "skin to skin" and that they only ask for love. This final sentiment speaks to the idea that even in marginalized communities, people can find connection and a sense of belonging.