Per te
Gino Paoli Lyrics

In the poignant lyrics of Gino Paoli's "Per te," the singer reflects on the experience of loneliness and longing for connection. The opening lines, "Nel dimenticar la mia solitudine, voglio ricordar questa è un'abitudine" convey a sense of acceptance and resignation towards the singer's inherent solitude. Despite the desire to forget about it, he knows that this feeling of loneliness has become a habit that he cannot escape from easily. This emotional struggle sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer grapples with deep-seated emotions.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to the subject of the singer's affection, symbolized by the phrase "Il tuo dolce viso, viso da bambino." Here, the singer describes the person he cares for with tenderness and nostalgia, comparing them to a child-like innocence that is pure and untouched. The reference to "Quando fa del male" suggests a complexity in their relationship, indicating that this person has the power to hurt the singer, perhaps unintentionally. Despite this, the singer finds solace in the sweetness of the other person's presence, even as they are unaware of the pain they may cause.

The chorus of the song conveys a sense of bittersweet longing as the singer speaks of smiling to deceive themselves, "Sorridendo a te per potermi illudere." This idea of self-deception implies a desire to hold onto a false sense of happiness or hope, even in the face of difficult truths. The singer's plea to not ask questions, "E non domandar per poterti credere," suggests a fear of uncovering painful realities that may challenge their belief in the other person or the relationship they share.

In the final verses of the song, the singer reflects on the other person as always being "Solo un ragazzino," forever remaining a boy or youth in their eyes. This sentiment speaks to a sense of immaturity or innocence that colors their actions, particularly when they inadvertently cause harm. The repetition of "Che non sa capire quando fa del male" reinforces the theme of innocence and ignorance, highlighting the complexity of emotions in relationships where intentions may not always align with the impact of one's actions. Overall, "Per te" dives deep into the nuances of love, loneliness, and vulnerability, capturing the beautifully intricate dynamics that define human connections.