Marmellata #25 Lyrics in English by Cesare Cremonini
Marmellata translates to "jam" or "marmalade". It's an everyday word, but its use in the song's title and lyrics makes it particularly interesting and memorable.
In the song, the protagonist eats "chili di marmellata" (kilos of jam) every time he thinks of his ex-partner. This seemingly mundane act becomes a poignant symbol of coping with heartbreak and longing, making the word stand out as a unique and relatable expression of emotion.
Cremonini writes the song as an inventory. "Ci sono le tue scarpe ancora qua" (Your shoes are still here), then her share of the money in the bank, a crumpled pink driving licence, a blue scarf left on the piano, a Winston Blu in the drawer that he admits he smoked. He never says he misses her. He lists what she left behind, and the list does the work.
The chorus dates her leaving against two Italian losses rather than a calendar: "da quando Senna non corre più" (since Senna doesn't race anymore) and "da quando Baggio non gioca più" (since Baggio doesn't play anymore). Both belonged to Sunday, the Grand Prix and the football, which is what lets "Non è più domenica" (It isn't Sunday anymore) carry a break-up. The last verse is where the tidy list gives way: "Ogni volta in cui ti penso mangio chili di marmellata" (Every time I think of you I eat kilos of jam). It is the jam she used to hide from him, and the song closes on "L'ho trovata" (I found it).
