Come un camello in una grondaia - Like a Camel in the Eaves

Vivo come un cammello in una grondaia in questa illustre e onorata società! E ancora, sto aspettando, un'ottima occasione per acquistare un paio d'ali, e abbandonare il pianeta E cosa devono vedere ancora gli occhi e sopportare? I demoni feroci della guerra, che fingono di pregare! Eppure, lo so bene che dietro a ogni violenza esiste il male... se fossi un po' più furbo, non mi lascerei tentare Come piombo pesa il cielo questa notte Quante pene e inutili dolori Come un camello in una grondaia © 1991 Franco Battiato "Come un camello in una grondaia" is a phrase taken from the writings of Al-Biruni, the great medieval Islamic scientist and scholar. This solemn song was written with the Gulf War raging in the background. As he does elsewhere, Battiato expresses his desire to leave this troubled planet for another more spiritual existence.

I live like a camel in the eaves in this distinguished and storied society! And still, I am waiting for the opportune moment to acquire a pair of wings and abandon the planet. And what must the eyes still see and endure? The fierce demons of war who pretend to pray! Nevertheless, I know well that behind every violence evil exists . . . If I were a bit more clever I wouldn’t let myself try. Like lead the sky weighs down this night, so much grief and pointless suffering. English translation © 2020 Dennis Criteser Come un camello in una grondaia was released in 1991, and was recorded at Abbey Road Studios because Battiato and arranger Giusto Pio wanted to use the Astarte Orchestra and the Ambrosian Singers, both based in London. The album marks a further distancing from Battiato's 1980s pop/rock period, with the rhythm section being jettisoned, resulting in four contemporary Lieder, which are poems set to classical music. These four works of Battiato are paired with four traditional Lieder: Schmerzen by Wagner, Plaisir d'amour by Martini Il Tedesco, Gestillte Sehnsucht by Brahms, and Oh Sweet Were the Hours by Beethoven.

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