Che Me Chiamme A Fa? Lyrics in English Rocco Hunt , Geolier
Sanguisughe literally translates to "leeches". It's a striking and somewhat uncommon word to find in song lyrics, making it memorable.
In the context of the song, Rocco Hunt uses "sanguisughe e barracuda" (leeches and barracudas) as a metaphor to describe the parasitic and predatory people in his life or in the music industry. It paints a vivid picture of the challenges and dangers he faces, adding a raw and authentic layer to his narrative.
Rocco Hunt and Geolier trade verses about a relationship that only seems to exist after dark. The question in the title runs through the whole song: if you really do not care, why do you keep calling me at night?
The narrator is tired of being a secret. He wants her to tell the world they are together, and he keeps pointing at the gap between what she says and how she acts. She trembles, she pulls a face, she is never there when he wants her, and he decides he is done playing along.
Underneath the frustration there is real tenderness, and a lot of pride. He admits he is no Neruda but offers her a poem anyway. He talks about a king with an empire to defend, away for days fighting enemies while the queen feels neglected. He is a street kid, her parents noticed, and he stumbles when he has to speak standard Italian in front of them. He promises a Tiffany ring while dressed in Nike, and a trip to Miami.
The song is sung in Neapolitan rather than standard Italian, which is part of what gives it its warmth and its bite. By the last chorus nothing is resolved. He is still making up excuses, and so is she.
