Il lamento dei mendicanti
Vinicio Capossela Lyrics

The lyrics of Vinicio Capossela's "Il lamento dei mendicanti" paint a vivid picture of the desperation and plight of beggars who are appealing for charity. The opening lines, "Fate la carità a questi pezzenti, Che quello che ci date noi prendiamo" directly implore for kindness towards these destitute individuals, highlighting the fact that they rely on the donations they receive. The mention of giving for the dead suggests that the alms provided are also for the benefit of the souls in purgatory, reflecting a belief in the importance of helping those in need for spiritual reasons.

The contrast between the poor and the rich is starkly portrayed in the lyrics, with the beggars expressing resentment towards the wealthy who have not shared their resources. The lament continues, expressing a sense of abandonment and betrayal, as they cry out to Jesus for having let them die hungry and deprived. The symbolic absence of bread given by the rich is emphasized, underscoring the stark inequality and lack of compassion in society.

As the begging sack is filled and the beggars prepare to leave, the focus shifts to the hunger and needs of their children, who are eagerly awaiting their return. The imagery of dogs pulling towards their homes suggests a primal instinct for survival, while the hunger of the children is poignantly highlighted. The desperation and helplessness of the beggars are palpable as they find themselves alone in the midst of the road, with no one left to offer assistance.

In a poignant conclusion to the song, the beggars reach their own walls and are confronted by their children. The act of putting their hands in the sack and offering bread to their hungry offspring reflects a sacrifice made out of love and necessity. The repeated urging to "Mangiate figli miei, Fino a quando vi saziate" underscores the deep parental instinct to provide for their children's basic needs, even in the face of extreme poverty. The plea for charity to these beggars echoes throughout the song, serving as a reminder of the compassion and empathy needed in a world fraught with inequity and hardship.