When the names for Italy’s Sanremo 2021 were first announced, Måneskin were among the acts people got most excited about. And the rock group certainly lived up to expectations. They stormed the festival and, now, they’ll represent Italy at Euroivison 2021 with “Zitti e buoni”.
Scroll down for “Zitti e buoni” lyrics
Italy in Eurovision 2021: Måneskin “Zitti e buoni”
Måneskin is a pop-rock quartet that finished as runners up on X Factor Italy in 2017. Led by the voice of Damiano David, they’re making their debut at Sanremo 2021. The foursome will be attempting to repeat the success of their 2018 triple-platinum album Il ballo della vita, which included the hit “Torno a casa”.
What do the “Zitti e buoni” lyrics mean?
Måneskin were the only ones to bring rock to Sanremo 2021. And they took the mission seriously. “Zitti e buoni” (Shut Up And Be Quiet) is a fast track full of guitars, with some psychedelia crossover. Damiano goes wild, both when he sings and when he declaims: “We are out of our minds but different from them”.
“Zitti e buoni” is a manifesto for those who want to move forward by treasuring their uniqueness. Never mind who’s talking (without knowing what they’re saying).
However, the lyrics had to be changed slightly following the group’s Sanremo triumph. Reading the original lyrics of their entry, which you can see below, it’s clear that some changes needed to be made for Eurovision. In “Zitti e buoni”, in fact, there are a couple of very explicit references and as the Eurovision rules state:
“No lyrics, speeches, gestures of a political or similar nature shall be permitted during the ESC. No swearing or other unacceptable language shall be allowed in the lyrics or in the performances of the songs.”
As reported by the Italian source Eurofestival News, there are four main changes that can be recognised compared to the original version. Two changes are to the lyrics, and the other two are cuts in order to make the song fit within Eurovision’s three-minute maximum length.
- About five seconds have been cut from the introduction;
- The verse “Vi conviene toccarvi i coglioni” (You’d better touch your nuts) — an expression that in the Italian language refers to a widespread superstitious gesture — has been changed to “Vi conviene non fare più errori” (You better not make any more mistakes);
- One of the two riffs of the transition to the second verse has been removed (about four seconds);
- The verse “Non sa di che ca**o parla” (They don’t know what the f**k they’re talking about) has been cleaned up and transformed into “Non sa di che cosa parla” (They don’t know what they’re talking about).
“Zitti e buoni” lyrics — Måneskin (Italy ESC 2021)
Written and Composed by: Damiano David, Ethan Torchio, Thomas Raggi and Victoria De Angelis.
Italian text |
English translation |
| Loro non sanno di che parlo Voi siete sporchi fra’ di fango Giallo di siga’ fra le dita Io con la siga’ camminandoScusami ma ci credo tanto Che posso fare questo salto Anche se la strada è in salita Per questo ora mi sto allenando E buonasera signore e signori Qui la gente è strana tipo spacciatori Quindi scusa mamma se sto sempre fuori, ma Io Scritto sopra una lapide E non c’è vento che fermi Con ali in cera alla schiena Perché Parla la gente purtroppo Parla la gente purtroppo Parla la gente purtroppo Ma sono fuori di testa ma diverso da loro |
They don’t know what I’m talking about You’re dirty, bros, full of mud Cig stains between your fingers Me with a cig walkingI’m sorry but I really believe That I can make this jump Even if the road is uphill That’s why I’m training now And good evening ladies and gentlemen People here are strange like drug dealers So excuse me, mom, for staying out all the time Me Written on a tombstone And no wind can stop With wax wings on your back Because People talk unfortunately People are talking unfortunately People are talking unfortunately But I’m out of my mind but different from them |
What do you think of “Zitti e buoni”? Will it work at Eurovision? Comment below.
As someone who is 20 years old I think they really represent our generation and I would say it’s kinda revolutionary because I haven’t felt to be as represented by any artist as I feel I am with them. I was a fan even before the Sanremo festival (and no I’m not Italian!) but I did absolutely not expect them to win (I wanted them to of course). People should not underestimate them because their live energy is just amazing and Damiano’s voice is always on point. I think it’s time for rock to win again and to spread a… Read more »
New Romantics meet Glam Rock…after watching over 20 hours of Sanremo this year let’s face it, it was a weak year with few memorable songs. Maneskin have thrust, attitude and a look…good luck to them. Perhaps not a winner of ESC2021 but a good thrill ride – this is more authentic than Finland.
So we have multiple hard rock songs and multiple pop-bangers but only one poem from the soul, France. Barbara Pravi shines like a diamond and represents France’s best chance to win ESC in 30 years.
My winners! I think they are the only ones that don’t need an audience, Damiano can put on a show for sure!
A typical Maneskin song. It sounds like a twist on their song Moriro da re, especially with that repetitive chorus. I personally like this song, I don’t think it will win, but it’s one of my favourites. I hope the singer mixes it up for the next performance, he should add a little something in the chorus so it doesn’t sound the same all the time. When he sings the “…ma diversi da loro” part, he could do a little variation on it.
can someone please explain the format to me i don’t have a clue what’s going on lmao