Song meaning of Il cuoco di Salò by Francesco De Gregori

The song "Il cuoco di Salò" by Francesco De Gregori tells a story about a cook working in a small town called Salò. The lyrics describe the arrival of beautiful women from Venice, who come to the town, go up the stairs, and rustle like bouquets of roses. The scent lingers in the air as they enter a room and wait, possibly naked, for their desires to be fulfilled. These women are portrayed as actresses who escaped from Rome or yet-to-be-famous singers, staying for a night or a season.

In the morning, the cook witnesses these women without shame, singing during breakfast. The song then explores the metaphorical idea of the lake water turning into seawater, emphasizing the significance of the surroundings. The cook contemplates the number of fish he could cook if the lake water transformed, highlighting his ability to be useful even in difficult times or a shipwreck. The lyrics express the notion that even in the face of adversity, people must eat.

The song also touches on the presence of violence in the region. From behind the mountains, the sound of gunshots can be heard, with conflicting beliefs about the source - some saying they are bandits, others claiming they are Americans. The cook wonders what his fate would be if they found him in the kitchen and whether they would ask for something to eat. This highlights the juxtaposition between the beauty and potentially dangerous nature of the environment.

Ultimately, the song illustrates the harsh reality of life in Salò and the struggle to survive. It portrays Italy as a place where people live and die on the wrong side of the equation, symbolizing the constant battle against adversity and the imperfect nature of the world.