Francesco De Gregori (born in Rome on April 4, 1951) is one of the most ori… Read Full Bio ↴Francesco De Gregori (born in Rome on April 4, 1951) is one of the most original Italian songwriters. The poetry and commitment in his songs, as well as the melody of his compositions (inspired by Lucio Battisti, as De Gregori once stated), make him one of the best artists on the Italian musical landscape.
Influenced by Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and the Italian singer-songwriter Fabrizio de André, Francesco De Gregori started his career in the beginning of the 1970's.

He is popularly known as "Il Principe Poeta" ("The Poet Prince"), the nickname refers to the elegance of his lyrics.

Mayday
Francesco De Gregori Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Per salvarti la vita devi uscire da qua
Devi lasciare la vecchia strada e fare un passo più in là
La direzione nuova la devi scegliere tu
Per salvarti la vita devi rischiare di più

Per salvarti la vita non avere paura,
Localizza un'uscita, fai le cose con cura
Lascia correre l'acqua, lascia spegnere il fuoco,

È questione di niente, è questione di poco.

Devi comprarti un vestito nuovo e decidere come ti sta
E non aver paura di dimenticare
Vattene adesso, non ti voltare
Non c'è nessuno da salutare…

Devi cambiare indirizzo e telefono, devi cambiare città
E non aver paura di non farti più trovare
Vattene, vattene adesso
Ed io farò lo stesso
Non ti voltare
Non c'è nessuno da ringraziare.

Per salvarti la vita non ci stare a pensare
Chiuditi bene la porta alle spalle e butta la chiave

Guarda dritto negli occhi l'amore che stai per lasciare
E abbandona la scena, abbandona la nave.

Overall Meaning

The song "Mayday" by Francesco De Gregori is a poignant reflection on taking risks in life in order to survive. With references to leaving behind old habits and embracing new directions, the song serves as an anthem for those who are willing to take a leap of faith and start over.

The verses of the song offer specific advice on what steps to take in order to overcome the status quo and move forward in life. The opening lines urge the listener to take a step beyond the worn and familiar path, and not to fear the uncertainties that lie ahead. In order to save one's life, one must take risks and be willing to embrace change. The second verse offers similar advice, urging the listener to let go of the past and embrace the present. A new outfit and a change of address are used as symbols of the kind of radical transformation that is required in order to survive.

The final verse offers a message of hope and encourages listeners to not look back once they've made the decision to move forward. The cost of survival is relinquishing the things that no longer serve us, and choosing a new direction that is aligned with our values and goals. The song offers an uplifting message of resilience and strength, reminding us that we always have the power to change our lives.

Line by Line Meaning

Per salvarti la vita devi uscire da qua
In order to save your life, you must leave this place.

Devi lasciare la vecchia strada e fare un passo più in là
You must leave the old path and take a step forward.

La direzione nuova la devi scegliere tu
You must choose the new direction yourself.

Per salvarti la vita devi rischiare di più
To save your life, you must take more risks.

Per salvarti la vita non avere paura,
Don't be afraid to save your life,

Localizza un'uscita, fai le cose con cura
Find an exit and do things carefully.

Lascia correre l'acqua, lascia spegnere il fuoco,
Let the water flow and the fire go out,

È questione di niente, è questione di poco.
It's no big deal.

Devi comprarti un vestito nuovo e decidere come ti sta
You must buy a new dress and decide how it fits.

E non aver paura di dimenticare
And don't be afraid to forget.

Vattene adesso, non ti voltare
Go now, don't look back.