Codardi is the Italian word for "cowards". It's a powerful and dramatic word that perfectly captures the rebellious spirit of this Måneskin anthem.
In the song, the band sings, "Dagli occhi di chi è puro siete soltanto codardi" (From the eyes of the pure, you are only cowards). They use this sharp insult to challenge those who value money over authenticity, defiantly separating themselves and their generation from a system they see as corrupt and fearful.
Turning twenty can feel like walking a tightrope between absolute panic and boundless confidence, and Italian rock band Måneskin nails that exact feeling in "VENT'ANNI". The track opens with an honest admission of youth drama: "Io c'ho vent'anni / Perciò non ti stupire se dal niente faccio drammi" ("I'm twenty, so don't be surprised if I make drama out of nothing"). Notice the casual phrasing "c'ho" here: in spoken Italian, people often attach ci to the verb avere (to have) for natural rhythm instead of using the formal textbook grammar. The narrator wrestles with the terrifying thought of leaving behind only money ("Ho paura di lasciare al mondo soltanto denaro") or being forgotten ("Che il mio nome scompaia tra quelli di tutti gli altri" / "That my name vanishes among everyone else's"), before turning rebellious and yelling that they have zero to prove to anyone selling their soul for cash.
What makes this track hit so hard is the battle between following the herd and staying true to who you are. The lyrics push you to make tough choices: "Scegli amore o diamanti, demoni o santi" ("Choose love or diamonds, demons or saints"). Instead of taking the easy way out, the goal is "Spiegare cos'è il colore a chi vede bianco e nero" ("Explaining what color is to those who see in black and white"). By the end, the perspective shifts slightly from singing about oneself to giving advice directly to you: "Sarai qualcuno se resterai diverso dagli altri" ("You will be somebody if you remain different from the others"). It is a fierce, heartfelt reminder that making mistakes and running toward your freedom is just part of growing up.
Damiano David, born on January 8, 1999, in Rome, Italy, is the charismatic lead singer and songwriter of the renowned rock band Måneskin. Rising to fame after winning the Sanremo Music Festival 2021 and the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 with the energetic anthem "Zitti e buoni," Damiano quickly became an international icon.
Known for his dynamic vocals and distinctive androgynous style that blends glam rock and vintage fashion, Damiano has been praised for his natural stage presence and ability to connect with audiences. In 2024, he launched his solo career, releasing singles like "Silverlines" and "Born with a Broken Heart," showcasing a softer, more pop-oriented sound ahead of his debut solo album, Funny Little Fears (2025). As an artist, Damiano advocates for a healthy lifestyle and creativity driven by clarity and discipline, setting him apart in the rock music scene.