Meaning of Io Straniera by Elton John

The Elton John song titled 'Io Straniera' is a beautiful piece that delves into the theme of feeling like a stranger in a familiar place. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and displacement, as the singer describes their experiences as an outsider. Throughout the song, there are several standout lyrics that help develop and deepen these themes, evoking unexpected and imaginative ideas while remaining connected to the overall theme.One of the standout lyrics in 'Io Straniera' is "Il tuo viso di sera mai, perde luce, luce, tu vedrai" (Your face in the evening never loses light, light, you will see). This lyric portrays the singer's admiration for someone whose face seems to glow with an everlasting light. It contrasts the singer's own experience as an outsider, emphasizing their yearning to belong and be seen. This lyric helps develop the theme of longing for acceptance and connection.Another compelling lyric is "Pregherò con la mia voce che s’infrangerà, un gabbiano dorme in volo, la mia anima sarà" (I will pray with my voice that will break, a seagull sleeps in flight, my soul will be). This lyric creates a vivid image of a sleeping seagull in flight, symbolizing the singer's dormant dreams and desires. It suggests that despite feeling like a stranger, there is a resilience within the singer's soul that continues to hold on to hope. This lyric explores the theme of resilience and highlights the power of dreams even in the face of adversity.The line "Dammi fede, la mia rete è vuota, è l’ora, dimmi tu cosa pescherò" (Give me faith, my net is empty, it's time, tell me what I will catch) is another noteworthy lyric in the song. It conveys a sense of uncertainty and vulnerability, as the singer reaches out for guidance. The empty net symbolizes the emptiness the singer feels in their life, longing for something tangible and meaningful. This lyric further develops the theme of seeking guidance and purpose.One particularly imaginative and unexpected theme derived from the song's lyrics is the transformation of pain into strength. It can be seen in the line "Amico tu, pescatore, gli orizzonti miei si oscurano, non vedo più" (Friend, you, fisherman, my horizons darken, I can no longer see). This lyric suggests that the singer's loss of clarity and perspective is a result of their pain and feeling like a stranger. However, within the darkness, there is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. It emphasizes the idea that through pain comes resilience and the strength to navigate unfamiliar territories with a newfound understanding.Overall, 'Io Straniera' is a poignant song that explores the theme of feeling like a stranger in a familiar place. Through its standout lyrics, it delves into various sub-themes, including longing for acceptance, resilience in the face of adversity, seeking guidance, and the transformation of pain into strength. Each lyric adds depth and imagination to the song, capturing the essence of the singer's emotional journey. Whether it be the luminosity of another's face, the dormant dreams symbolized by a sleeping seagull, or the empty net of uncertainty, 'Io Straniera' invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences of feeling like a stranger and finding solace in uncertainty.