Safari
Itoiz Lyrics
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Hiri hontan nabil
Fragiltasunaren hatzak
Hautsen euria solik
Hitz itzaliak graffiti zahar batean
Ahotsa komunetan
Inauteri hutsa, manikien tribu
Jai alai izan dadin... safari
Oh... ehizean nabil.
The opening lines of Itoiz's 'Safari' describe the persona on a boat ride with friends or acquaintances, enjoying the beauty of the sea around them. The persona also notes the vulnerability of the sea and how at the mercy of the weather and the whims of the ocean, its very existence can be threatened. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is a commentary on the human condition.
As the song progresses, the persona observes that even in the midst of human civilization, there are signs of fragility and decay. The graffiti on a wall carries a weighty message for the persona, as it symbolizes the transience of human endeavors. The voices of the people around them are described as 'common' highlighting how the problems of one individual can often be shared by those around them. The persona then notes the strange convergence of people during festivals or celebrations, like the Carnival. Meeting each other randomly in such events is a vital way of creating connections amidst the turmoil of daily life.
The song contrasts the violence of a game like jai alai with the benign beauty of a safari. The chorus' first line is "To have a jai alai... safari". This line could be interpreted in several ways. It could mean that in this chaotic world, where violence and conflicts rage large, a peaceful, organized and exciting 'Safari' where animals roam free, is a stark contrast. Alternatively, it could mean that the jai alai game, which requires skill and strategy, is a way of creating some order amidst the chaos. Together, jai alai and safari could represent the various shades of life, with its ups and downs, challenges, and rewards.
Line by Line Meaning
Begi lagunen ehizean
In the wake of my friends on the sea
Hiri hontan nabil
I'm walking around this city
Fragiltasunaren hatzak
The keys of fragility
Hautsen euria solik
The rain of choices clear
Hitz itzaliak graffiti zahar batean
The extinguished words in an old graffiti
Ahotsa komunetan
The voice in the crowd
Inauteri hutsa, manikien tribu
A hollow carnival, tribe of puppets
Topaketak busetan
Encounters in dark corners
Jai alai izan dadin... safari
To become a festivity... a safari
Oh... ehizean nabil.
Oh... I'm on the sea.
Contributed by Luke R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.