Mascherina is the diminutive form of maschera (mask), meaning "little mask". It's an interesting word because it immediately brings to mind the imagery of commedia dell'arte, which is central to the song's theme.
In the context of the song, it refers to the masks worn by characters like Arlecchino and Colombina, symbolizing the facades people wear and the hidden emotions beneath them. It's a unique and evocative word that sets the tone for the entire piece.
Gino Paoli reaches for commedia dell'arte's classic pair, Harlequin and Colombina, to describe a love that only survives behind a mask. He paints himself as fragile and patched-together — "Rappezzato come la mia vita" ("Patched like my life") — and admits, "Sei una marionetta che non sa neppure quel che fa" ("You're a puppet who doesn't even know what he's doing"). Only her smile changes that: "Ma se sorridi, tutto sei per me, e vivo solo in te" ("But if you smile, you are everything to me, and I live only in you").
Gino Paoli, born in 1934 in Monfalcone, Italy, is a legendary Italian singer-songwriter and a pivotal figure in Italian popular music. With a career spanning over six decades, he has crafted timeless classics such as "Il cielo in una stanza", "Sapore di sale", and "Che cosa c'è" that have deeply influenced the Italian music scene.
Paoli began his musical journey in Genoa alongside notable contemporaries like Luigi Tenco. His poetic lyrics and heartfelt melodies are notable for their emotional depth and timeless appeal. Beyond music, he also briefly engaged in politics as a member of the Italian Communist Party. Today, Gino Paoli remains an active and beloved artist, continuing to shape Italian culture through his songs.