He released his first albums under the Jovanotti byname to later switch into his real name (Lorenzo), as of the mid-nineties.
Most of his output is hip-hop influenced, although not most of his work should be viewed as hip hop music per se. Many of his songs are not hip hop related and may probably be best viewed as part of the earlier Italian cantautore tradition. Some of his earlier work is also closer to keyboard-heavy 1980s pop. Most of his songs are sung in the Italian language; he also released a Spanish-language greatest hits album. His live album includes a short version of the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight". Jovanotti appears on several international compilations, most notably Red Hot + Rhapsody, a 1998 tribute to George Gershwin, on which he performed "I Got Rhythm". Jovanotti has also appeared in one Luciano Pavarotti's charity concert in 1996.
His CD, Buon Sangue, includes influences from both rock and old school hip hop. It is one of his most innovative works to date. Edoardo Bennato collaborated on one track, while bass player Saturnino co-wrote two of the songs.
One of his most recent CDs, "Ora", breaks new ground with a new style of production.
Il Re
Jovanotti Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Guarda il colore rosso del mantello
E questo trono ed il tappeto guarda io
Sono il re e questo è il mio castello
Il regno mio si estende all'infinito lungo
Le valli I monti il cielo e il mare
Io sono il re del tempo e della storia io
Sono il re venitemi a guardare
Io sono il re io sono il re di questo posto
Senza regno ne corona con una donna che mi vuole bene
Io sono il re ma lo so solo io e lo sai solo tu amore mio
Nessuno può veder la mia corona ma sono il re io sono il re in persona
Perché sono innamorato e sono corrisposto
Io sono il re io sono il re di questo posto
Senza regno ne corona con una donna che mi vuole bene
Con una donna che mi vuole bene
The lyrics of Jovanotti's song "Il Re" translate to "Hey, you can see my crown, Look at the red color of the cloak, And this throne and the carpet, Look at me, I am the king, and this is my castle. My kingdom extends to infinity, along the valleys, the mountains, the sky, and the sea. I am the king of time and history, I am the king come and look at me. Because I am in love and it is reciprocated."
The lyrics of the song tell the story of a king who takes pride in his kingdom and his power. He boasts about his crown, his castle, and his reign over the world, but what he’s truly happy and content with is being in love with someone who loves him back. This makes him feel like a king even without his kingdom and his crown.
It can be interpreted that the king’s love for his partner is the most significant thing to him. The lyrics demonstrate that, ultimately, one's social status, wealth, or power do not determine their personal fulfillment and happiness in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey puoi veder la mia corona
Hello, can you see my crown?
Guarda il colore rosso del mantello
Look at the red color of my cape.
E questo trono ed il tappeto guarda io
This throne and rug, look at me!
Sono il re e questo è il mio castello
I am the king, and this is my castle.
Il regno mio si estende all'infinito lungo
My kingdom extends infinitely.
Le valli I monti il cielo e il mare
The valleys, mountains, sky, and sea belong to me.
Io sono il re del tempo e della storia io
I am the king of time and history.
Sono il re venitemi a guardare
Come and see me, I am the king!
Perché sono innamorato e sono corrisposto
Because I am in love, and my love is reciprocated.
Io sono il re io sono il re di questo posto
I am the king, I am the king of this place.
Senza regno ne corona con una donna che mi vuole bene
Without a kingdom or crown, but with a woman who loves me.
Io sono il re ma lo so solo io e lo sai solo tu amore mio
I am the king, but only I know it, and you, my love, know it too.
Nessuno può veder la mia corona ma sono il re io sono il re in persona
No one can see my crown, but I am still the king, the king in person.
Con una donna che mi vuole bene
With a woman who loves me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LORENZO CHERUBINI, MARCO TAMBURINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind