He wowed us with a song about philosophy and a dancing ape on the Eurovision stage in Kyiv. And now Francesco Gabbani continues the theme, going nautical for his new single “Pachidermi E Pappagalli” (Pachyderms and Parrots) and the accompanying music video.
We like to think of ourselves as a learned bunch at wiwibloggs, but we were left scratching our man-braided heads as to the meaning behind the song.
‘Pachyderm’ refers to big mammals with thick skins (like elephants and rhinoceroses). And much like “Occidentali’s Karma”, “Pachidermi E Pappagalli” is a lyrical masterpiece that masquerades behind the frivolity of parrots and pirate ships. The song comments on how freedom of expression on the internet has fostered the spread of ‘fake news’. He raises famous conspiracy theories about aliens, Elvis and ancient Egypt, and comments on how non-conformists in our society are creating a new era of conformity.
When it comes to lyrics, Francesco loves to go deep, y’all!
Francesco goes sailing in the video clip of the song, leaving behind his debonair look from Kyiv and channeling some rough-around-the-edges, nautical high-seas realness, alongside a beautifully coloured macaw.
Since placing sixth at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kyiv, Francesco has hit the ground running with his 44-date tour across Italy. His latest album, Magellano, has also performed strongly, hitting number 1 on the FIMI album charts in Italy and number 35 on the Swiss album charts.
The Italian stallion also celebrated his 35th birthday this week in Naples alongside his many fans.
Grazie di cuore per tutti gli auguri, hanno vestito di gioia la mia giornata!
Foto di Chiara Mirelli pic.twitter.com/N8JHEKckSN— Francesco Gabbani (@frankgabbani) September 9, 2017
Francesco has said Alé! to the idea of making a return to Italy’s national selection for Eurovision, the Festival di Sanremo in 2018, but not as a competitor. He told Radio 105:
“I hope to go there, not in competition, because now I have to stop, think of writing a new album… So the goal is to be one of the super guests. If they are inviting me, I will be happy. I would love to. Sanremo gave me so much, it was the turning point for me.”
What do you think of Francesco’s new single? Would you like to see him return to the Sanremo Song Festival in 2018? Let us know in the comments below.
If somebody wants to watch the clip with English subtitles ?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjG7zwnegy4
He was the best for me and he truly is the best musical discovery for years. Love almost all his songs and new single is amazing, it deserves much more views than Tra le granite…. Would be nice if he came back and won Eurovision. And we need this European tour too!
Another masterpiece from his album “Maggelano”!
It’s true Sanremo was an important point in his life. He won both categories 2 years in a row and represented Italy at Eurovision with (for me) the best song in the contest!
Wish him lots of success in the years to come! Keep up the good work!
Bravo Francesco – what a great video! Your deserved success continues following Eurovision and another number 1 hit with ‘Tra le Granite e le Granata’ (hope I got that right!) during the summer. When I last looked ‘Occidentali’s Karma’ had over 157,000,000 views on YouTube far exceeding any other Eurovision artist. Next up a European tour?
I like this song, excellent!
Great lyrics. Not so hot on the music though…
“Pachidermi and Parrots” is an ironic song that narrates the need to always have a theory on something, fleeing from reality through imaginative conspiracies, made of commonplace and dialectics. Man has the need to believe in something and often finds it in the many, too many, internet “fake news” and conspiracies. It is an escape from a certain kind of culture, implemented to prove to be nonconformist, but becoming even more conformist.” Francesco always funny and original but offering us another point of reflexion about ourselves and the world we live. His unique song-crafting and especially his lyrics, often containing… Read more »
Nothing new from francesco… Another no meaning song like occidentalis karma
Yeah because you never read Francesco’s lyrics.
That’s his best song! It’s about those idiots who believe in every conspiracy they see online.
Here´s an english translation of this song. http://lyricstranslate.com/en/pachyderms-and-parrots-lyrics.html
Of course Gabbani must come come back and win Eurovision, past year the contest was unfair!!
why was it unfair again? I mean he didn’t deserve higher than 6th spot, you just can’t say his song was better than Belgium’s, Bulgaria’s, Portugal’s or even Sweden’s – but it was better than Moldova’s song for sure.
Are you really saying his performance and song were not as good as Belgium? I am a Belgian, I am happy Blanche got a good placing after all the criticism, but her performance better than Francesco? You must be kidding? Same goes for Robin’s clean but non-original act. Francesco’s song was clever, catchy and perfectly performed. He just suffered from all the media suddenly turning against him In Kiev..suddenly Salvador was the next world wonder for Wiwibloggs… I love how you guys again fail to mention that his tour is a sold-out hit and that occidentalis karma is five-times platina… Read more »
Sweden better than Moldova? Nooooo. And as romanian I have no reason to defend rusophonic SunStroke Project, babies of Putin+Dodon.
I don’t know why Italy wasn’t no 1. Was it…….
-the big stage?
-the lack of orchestra?
-not focusing on his face?
-the revamp?
-the suit? should he wear the orange sweater?
Well Salvador was the rightful winner by far, but Francesco deserved way better than 6th place. He should’ve at least been higher than Sweden and Belgium.