Lyrics and English translation of the most iconic Italian song "La Cura" by Franco Battiato

Franco Battiato’s La cura (The Care) is one of the most iconic Italian songs, released in 1996 as part of the album L’imboscata. The song, written by Battiato and Manlio Sgalambro, is a poetic declaration of unconditional love and protection, rich in philosophical and existential undertones.

Lyrics and meaning of “La Cura” by Franco Battiato

The lyrics of La cura describe a profound promise of care and devotion. The speaker vows to protect their beloved from fears, anxieties, and hardships, emphasizing an almost metaphysical guardianship:

Lyrics with English translation for “La Cura” by Franco Battiato

Ti proteggerò dalle paure delle ipocondrie,
I will protect you from the fears of hypochondria,
dai turbamenti che da oggi incontrerai per la tua via.
from the troubles you will encounter on your path from today.

Dalle ingiustizie e dagli inganni del tuo tempo,
From the injustices and deceptions of your time,
dai fallimenti che per tua natura normalmente attirerai.
from the failures that you will naturally attract.

Ti solleverò dai dolori e dai tuoi sbalzi d’umore,
I will lift you from pains and mood swings,
dalle ossessioni delle tue manie.
from the obsessions of your fixations.

Supererò le correnti gravitazionali,
I will overcome gravitational currents,
lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare.
space and light to prevent you from aging.

E guarirai da tutte le malattie,
And you will heal from all diseases,
perché sei un essere speciale,
because you are a special being,
ed io avrò cura di te.
and I will take care of you.

The song does not merely express romantic love but transcends it, touching on a universal theme of selfless devotion. Some interpretations suggest that the lyrics could represent the love of a parent for a child, a spiritual guide for a disciple, or even a divine figure for humanity.

Themes and symbolism

1. Protection and Healing
   The song revolves around the idea of shielding a loved one from emotional and physical harm. The recurring verbs in the future tense (proteggerò, curerò, salverò) reinforce the sense of a lifelong commitment.
2. Spirituality and Transcendence
   Battiato, known for his deep interest in mysticism and Eastern philosophy, infuses the lyrics with a spiritual essence. The speaker’s promises go beyond physical care, extending to intellectual and existential well-being.
3. Metaphysical Imagery
   The references to space, time, and light evoke a cosmic dimension, as if the speaker possesses supernatural abilities to provide guidance and comfort:

Attraverserò le correnti gravitazionali
I will cross gravitational currents,
lo spazio e la luce per non farti invecchiare.
space and light to prevent you from aging.

Musical and emotional impact

The composition features a soft yet powerful melody, with orchestral arrangements that enhance the solemnity of the lyrics. The combination of minor and major chords creates an emotional build-up, reinforcing the sense of warmth and reassurance conveyed by the words.

Battiato’s vocal delivery is intimate and sincere, making the listener feel personally addressed. The song’s slow tempo and rich harmonies contribute to its hypnotic and meditative effect.

Why study “La Cura”?

For English-speaking learners of Italian, La cura provides an excellent example of poetic language in music. The song showcases:

• Future tense verbs: proteggerò, curerò, salverò (useful for learning future conjugations).
• Figurative language: metaphors and abstract concepts.
• Pronoun use: the repeated “ti” emphasizes direct address.

La cura is more than just a love song; it is a deeply philosophical reflection on care, protection, and spiritual connection. Its poetic beauty, combined with Battiato’s evocative melody, makes it one of the most meaningful pieces in Italian music. Whether interpreted as a personal promise or a universal message, the song continues to resonate with listeners across generations.

Key vocabulary and verbs

Studying La cura can help learners expand their Italian vocabulary. Below are some key verbs and terms used in the song:

1. Nouns

• Cura → Care
• Dolore → Pain
• Paura → Fear
• Misteri → Mysteries
• Malattie → Illnesses
• Pensieri → Thoughts
• Onde → Waves
• Correnti gravitazionali → Gravitational currents
• Giorni → Days
• Anni → Years
• Forza → Strength
• Natura → Nature
• Fuoco → Fire
• Pioggia → Rain
• Neve → Snow
• Aria → Air

2. Verbs

• Avere (avrò) → To have (I will have)
• Proteggere (proteggerò) → To protect (I will protect)
• Curare (curerò) → To take care of (I will take care of)
• Superare (supererò) → To overcome (I will overcome)
• Salvarti (ti salverò) → To save you (I will save you)
• Seguire (seguirò) → To follow (I will follow)
• Attraversare (attraverserò) → To cross (I will cross)
• Prendere (prenderò su di me) → To take (I will take upon myself)
• Vivere (vivrai, vivrò) → To live (you will live, I will live)
• Sentire (sentirai, sentirò) → To feel (you will feel, I will feel)

3. Useful expressions and concepts

• “Ti proteggerò dalle paure delle ipocondrie” → “I will protect you from the fears of hypochondria”
• “Ti solleverò dai dolori e dai tuoi sbalzi d’umore” → “I will lift you up from pain and mood swings”
• “Attraverserò le correnti gravitazionali” → “I will cross gravitational currents”
• “Ti salverò da ogni malinconia” → “I will save you from all melancholy”
• “Sarai un essere speciale” → “You will be a special being”

This song is a masterpiece of poetry and sweetness, and it helps us learn words and expressions related to love, protection and care of a loved one.

The song “La Cura” is a perfect example of how the Italian language can express deep feelings with simple but powerful words. Try using these words and verbs to describe how you would take care of someone you love!