☝️ Key Points
- The lyrics describe a dystopian vision of a society in which a group of people takes over power.
- The elite group, consisting of laureates and scientists, controls important institutions and is accompanied by large mastiffs.
- The intellectuals and scientists have a hypnotic power and manipulate the masses.
- The Italian technocrats are the last group to take control and control the government, industry, unions, and educational institutions.
- The lyrics criticize the suppression of freedom and individuality of citizens as well as the ease and superficiality of people who are preoccupied with trivial matters while the takeover of power is happening in the background.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song 'La presa del potere' by
Giorgio Gaber describe a dystopian vision of a society where a group of people takes power. The first lines of the lyrics describe an image of a black, shiny, metallic mastiff that has an eye in the center of its forehead. This image symbolizes the threat and control emanating from the group.
The 'Laureati e gli studiosi' (Graduates and scholars) are an elite group that surrounds and observes the city. They have large mastiffs with them and hold hands. They are active in the background and take control of important institutions like the police and the media.
The 'Intellighenzia e gli scienziati' (Intellectuals and scientists) have a hypnotic power and are responsible for manipulating the masses. They use their power to shape society according to their desires.
The 'Tecnocrati italiani' (Italian technocrats) are the last group to take control. They work quickly and have many allies. They have gained control of the government, industry, unions, and educational institutions.
Overall, the lyrics describe a society dominated by a group of people who abuse their power and suppress the freedom and individuality of citizens. The lyrics criticize the submission of the population and the change of society in favor of the powerful. Gaber refers to the political and social changes in Italy and encourages listeners to critically question the events.
Towards the end of the lyrics, the lightness and superficiality of people in Italy are ironically portrayed, as they engage in trivial matters like card games and football, while the takeover of power is happening in the background.