Eurovision 2017 Review: Italy, "Occidentali's Karma" by Francesco Gabbani 

There are some lines in the song that definitely "for Italian speakers" as they imply contexts, double meanings and subtleties. Non-Italians may lose something about its irony. "AAA cercasi" is a first line that you may find on sites or papers advertising jobs, but has a kind of old-style slightly more appropriate to someone looking for something informal or cheap, like to buy some second hand item or a service, including sexual ones. There is something very commercial and awkward, but "cercasi" itself also means "looking for". So that could address people that are really "looking for" something, maybe like a serious meaning, and implies that the need is actually urgent and important. When it says "Buddha in fila indiana" does not mean that Buddha is standing some Indian pose, but rather implies that all those folks who are just waiting in their row they all see themselves as full of spirituality as if they were all Buddhas, or maybe all those doing those silly things "in rows" they are in fact full of spirituality. There is an ambiguity between what is cheap, commercial, material and primitive, and what is about the highest needs of the soul, that pervades the song and makes part of the poetry, in my opinion. Last, the title: Occidentali's karma with the detached saxon " 's" at a first sight looks like one of those ugly distorsions (Englishization) of Italian where "occidentali" is a plural meaning "the Westerners", the Western people, so "occidentali's karma" a cheap contradictory use of Eastern spirituality, a kind of consumption. But the same words were just -s is undetached, written "Occidentalis karma", with identical sound, in Latin would mean something serious, "the destiny of the West"

I've reccomended this video to anyone who didn't get the song.

Oh Thank You! Thank you so much guys, for giving Italy the honor of being the first country to be overthought at this year. The karma seems to finally be on our side and if everything goes as expected, we are ready to make you all dance and shout "Aleee'!!" in Kiev!

Occidentali's Karma LYRICS EXPLANATION "Essere o dover essere?", il dubbio amletico. Contemporaneo come l'uomo del neolitico": "to be or to have to be?", the Hamletic doubt. Contemporary as the neolithic man.recalls the famous line in Shakespeare’s Hamlet “to be or not to be” but with a change, because in our society the real doubt is to choice between to be, to have substance, or have to be, that is the appearance. “Come l’uomo del neolitico, nella tua gabbia 2×3 mettiti comodo” (“As the man of the Neolithic, make yourself at ease in your cage of 2 × 3 “). This verse seems to compare the prehistoric man [Neolitic is the NewStone age, ca. 10000-2000 BC, transl.], to the modern man. The first lived in a cave, but the second finds himself in increasingly small spaces. The reference to the 2 × 3 meters could refer either to the size of the offices, which are often only cubicles, or to the apartments, where many of us live. Easy answers, unnecessary dilemmas “Intellettuali nei caffè, internettologi… L’intelligenza è démodé risposte facili, dilemmi inutili” (“Intellectuals in cafes, internettologues … The intelligence is out of fashion, easy answers, unnecessary dilemmas”). Here it is stressed that now anyone with an internet connection feels himself like an intellectual and you think you know everything just because you can do a search on google. While true intelligence is overlooked and undervalued in our society, we want quick answers just a click away, but that, in fact, arises only silly questions. Piovono gocce di Chanel su corpi asettici, tieni lontano il tuo odore dai tuoi simili” Raindrops of Chanel (parfume) on aseptic bodies, keep your smell away from your own kind. This phrase emphasize that the humans, unlike other animals, want to have a different smell from the other own kind as superiority factor. This concept is also reflected in the second verse when he says “tutti tuttologi col web, coca dei popoli, oppio dei poveri” (“all ‘we-know-all’s with the web, the people’s cocaine, opium of the poor”). The reference is to the famous Karl Marx’s phrase “religion is the opium of the people” According to the German philosopher, the people, especially the poorer classes, seeking consolation from the misery in which they are in religion and in the promise of a better eternal life in comparison to the earthly one, just as you look for a distraction from reality through drugs. Today this is the consolation in the internet search, where we all are “we-know-all’s” believing to be experienced and knowledgeable enough to be able to have their say on any topic or event. Also in their social profiles, they all show to others a full and happy life trying to erase the pain and suffering in this way. anonymous selfie-addicts Soci onorari del gruppo dei selfisti anonimi“‘ (“Honorary Members of the group of anonymous selfie-addicts”). Westerner addiction of today is not the alcohol, but to take selfies, a sign of our vanity and narcissism; that’s why in this verse, Alcoholics Anonymous are replaced by anonymous selfie-addicts. AAA cercasi storie dal gran finale, sperasi, comunque vada panta rei and singing in the rain” (“WANTED stories from the grand finale, hoping for whatever happens panta rei and singing in the rain” [The three A’s is a habit in Italy to put your announcements as first in the alphabetic list, transl.]). The singer recalls the famous Heraclitus’ “panta rei” phrase meaning “everything flows”, ie that everything is always in progress, everything changes and nothing stays the same. Western man seems looking for a glorious finale, but in any case, everything will go on, without giving yourself too much importance. It also refers to the song “Singing in the Rain” eponymous musical, symbol of carelessness. WANTED virtual humanity The second prechorus says “AAA cercasi umanità virtuale, sex appeal, comunque vada pianta rei and singing in the rain” (“WANTED virtual humanity, sex appeal, whatever happens plant rei and singing in three rain”. It recalls as more and more to us trying to establish relationships and relationships on the internet, with people who we have never even met; you feel the need humanity, but you prefer virtual contact. “Lezioni di Nirvana, c’è il Buddha in fila indiana, per tutti un’ora d’aria, di gloria” (“Lessons of Nirvana, there is the Buddha in a single line, for every hour of air, of glory,” [‘fila Indiana’ refers to a single line, one person wide, to make the queue/"wait in line") The refrain, as explained by the same Gabbani, refers to how more and more Westerners are seeking inner peace in Oriental arts and then go to “nirvana school”. In fact nirvana in Buddhism is the ultimate goal in life where you find peace and you are free of pain. The moment of meditation becomes “the hour of air”, literally means the moment when the prisoners in jail can get out of their cells, and then the moment when the West tries to take a break from your busy life, but in reality we can not fully understand these practices because they do not belong to us and, as stated by the singer, we turn out “awkward” and maybe even funny, as the picture of “Buddha in single line.” The naked ape dances “La folla grida un mantra, l’evoluzione inciampa, la scimmia nuda balla. Occidentali’s karma” (“The crowd shouts a mantra, the evolution stumbles, the naked ape dances. Western’s karma”). The mantra is a sacred formula repeated continuously during meditation. In my opinion, this verse may refer to all those situations where we’re continuously repeating a phrase or slogan, as at the disco when we together sing the hit of the moment with our hands into heaven. At that moment, the evolution of the species seems to take a step back and the man dances. In fact, “The Naked Ape” is a book of the zoologist Desmond Morris, where he studied the man, watching him with a scientific approach as an animal, comparing its behavior with those of primates. Karma, which literally translates to “act”, indicates in religions and Eastern philosophies the law for which man is responsible for his actions and each of these corresponds to a result that will have repercussions in future lives, and while a good action produces a result positive, negative action will have negative consequences. "Quando la vita si distrae, cadono gli uomini, Occidentali's Karma, la scimmia si rialza, Namastè” When the life distracts, men fall........ the ape stands again” This concept of falling men that stands again is a quote of German philosopher Nietzsche. Namastè is the tipycal indian/induist greeting. The ape is us, is our primordial instinct, we are naked monkeys. When we give values to materialism and idiocy (selfies, internect addiction,useless dilemmas, chanel, non intelligent things etc etc),when our life lose its focus, (what it is really important) ' the evolution stambles', we come back, we don't evolve anymore. We go back in our evolution and the inner ape inside us rises again. This explanation was written by Rene Smith (rcsmit on youtube) and Jenna in the final part ("Quando la vita si distrae, cadono gli uomini, Occidentali's Karma, la scimmia si rialza, Namastè”). Share it in order to understand the significance of Occidentali's karma.

"There is something comical about westerners embracing eastern practices" and that is how you know you understood the entire point of the song

It is pity that most audiences will not understand the meaning of it.

It's not national selection, it's the Sanremo Festival, the biggest event in Italy.

Ok I hated this song and now I love it. What is this dark magic ? It's Argo all over again

Great video! Thank you from Italy! :) I have to say that this is the first time i am really proud of our italian entry this year. The song is fantastic and Francesco is truly amazing and talented. He brings a huge amount of energy on stage with his presence alone and his voice is unique in a very positive way to me (i know not everyone may like it but it's just a matter of timbre, because he can sing). He also represents the real italian spirit! :) I think it will very difficult to steal Gabbani's karma :P

I love the song, the lyrics and your review :-)

Hope that Italy will win the contest. You could sing the rhythm the whole day

I'm BAAACCCKKK! Great video. Italy has to win this year. They just HAVE to. It would be the first non-English winner since Molitva.

Still the best eurovision related channel ♥ keep up with the amazing work guys!!

And now to make things even better Gabbani will be singing entirely in Italian

This song will either win by a mile (somewhat likely), or fail miserably because the casual viewer thinks it's a bit silly (I'm looking at you, ape). At this point it's Italy's contest to lose and I wouldn't bet against them... but you never know until the night what is really going to happen.

Unfortunately not everyone has understood the meaning of the song and not everyone's got the curiosity of knowing something more about songs most of them just watch music they don't listen to it (and it's a kind of sad) Maybe the Eurovision system has to provide lyrics on screen to those songs which aren't in English cause... guess what English isn't the only language in Europe 😉

Francesco Gabbani and Desmond Morris met in Oxford today!!

Make a video about Portugal! By the way, congrats to the italian people! I love your song!

Thank you from italy!

#namaste'

Eurovision season doesn't officially begin until Overthinking It starts their videos.

Love the analysis you make. Intelligent, rich and easy to follow also for who is not mastering english language (as me)... I will follow your channel!

If this song doesn't win, the real mafia is not in Italy, if you know what I mean

You forgot to mention that he could wear or sing anything and we would all still be madly in love with him.

Please pay attention to the pronuntiation of the singers: Mengoni is Mengohnee and Michielin is Meekeeaylyn. Thank you !

Greece is with you ...τα πάντα ρει !

solo io sono italiano e ho trovato il video nella home?

#Rome2018

#namaste ! Love the video and I'm happy that I discovered your Chanel !! You are amazing !!! Love from Greece ! 🇬🇷

Supremely the greatest track ever to be featured in the contest.

oh finally someone analizing songs in its entirety....!!! Loved your video

thank you for this review! greetings from Italy

great video, You've really hit the nail on the head!

Cio' che dice Gabbani per me è questo : Inutile sentirsi NON parte di questa terra madre, qualsiasi cosa facciamo per cercare di nasconderlo (guidare macchine , usare alte tecnologie, "improfumarci") , rimaniamo ANIMALI EVOLUTI, e "quando la vita si distrae, cadono gli uomini" ovvero quelle volte che fuoriesce dall'uomo il suo istinto di animale , e non ragiona più, in quei momenti capiamo che l'uomo è un animale. La musichina commerciale sotto questo testo è geniale, ridicolizza ancora di più la convinzione di non esserlo.

thank you from ITALY

if you like songs with "citations" from cinema, theater ,art and literature you should check an italian artist called Caparezza ;you could say all his songs are an artistic exercise about citations , much more than occidentali's karma

Just found this video, I never pay much attention to lyrics since I'm not clever enough to ever understand metaphors and hidden meanings behind them... So, this channel is perfect for me to constantly watch so I can actually get everything explained to me instead! Cheers!

Translation: Occidentali's Karma To be or to have to be Hamlet’s doubt As current as the Neolithic man Get comfy in your 2 x 3 cage Intellectuals in cafés Internet experts Honorary members of the selfie-addicted anonymous Cleverness is out of fashion Easy answers Pointless dilemmas AAA grand endings wanted Hoped for, Whatever happens, panta rhei And “Singing in the Rain”. Nirvana lessons There’s Buddha in single line Recreation time for everyone, a moment of glory (ale!) The crowd is shouting a mantra Evolution stumbles The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma Westerners’ karma The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma Drops of Chanel are pouring On aseptic bodies Save yourself from the smell of your own kind All know-all with the web Cocaine of the masses Opiate of the poor AAA virtual humanity wanted Sex appeal Whatever happens, panta rhei And “Singing in The Rain” Nirvana lessons There’s Buddha in single line Recreation time for everyone, a moment of glory (ale!) The crowd is shouting a mantra Evolution stumbles The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma Westerners’ karma The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma When life is distracted Men drop Westerners’ karma Westerners’ karma The ape gets back on its feet Namaste, go! Nirvana lessons There’s Buddha in single line, recreation time for everyone, a moment of glory (ale!) The crowd is shouting a mantra Evolution stumbles The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma Westerners’ karma The naked ape is dancing Westerners’ karma Om

Yayyyy you started this series againnnn

Thank you for this interesting video

#Italy2018

io prima odiavo la canzone di occidentali's s'karma ma ora la canto pure nei miei sogni

You mispronunced Mengoni and Michelin 😂 Anyway, that was well explained

The thing about Italy's song is that it really only becomes a GOOD song (in my opinion at least) when you overthink it. When I first saw the untranslated music video, it looked to me like a cultural appropriation-filled joke entry that just happened to have really good studio production. It took a full translation of the lyrics, an explanation of the inside references, and the history of Gabbani's inspiration for the song to change my mind about it. And a ton of people don't have that, so they're going with the joke entry interpretation. I'm worried that if this wins, it'll win for all the wrong reasons - not because it's a well-written and deep song, but because it's got silly-sounding cultural references and a dancing ape onstage.

1:06 Michielin is pronounced "mikielin", not "mishielin". thanks.

Italy will be the winner of Eurovision 2017

Last night my heart broke #francescogabbanideservedbetter2k17

Just a modest request, as both the north and south areas of The Low Countries have released their songs by now, I thought it would be nice thing, doing a review on both of them, as the Nld's are in it with a "Lights & Shadows" and la Belque/Belgie, with a '"City Lights". Interesting isnt it?? Both with Lights!!?? Another dancing naked ape.........?? or a yodel couple?? Greetings ( and btw I get the message of the italian entry, the tune of the song is catchy, the vid = funny, but I cant stand his harsh cracking voice in live vids. Or is that just me?? PS: and do love apes!!)

Great Review! Thanks!

I hit like as soon as you mentioned Romania, because you are SO right.

We were robbed.

I totally Agree!

overthink uk's entry and brexit

Go Italia ! It's your turn now !

just...... awesome....

Pretty pride of Occidentali's Karma

im italian girl and im very proud of this song

I like yours videos. But you have a little mistake, the first quote is not of Gabbani, instead is from another co-creator.

Wow! Subscribed!

Il prossimo anno porteremo "Martin Garrix 130 Si volaaaaaaaaaaa"

An Italian TV programme, Striscia la Notizia, showed a tweet of an English person that says "Gabbani, go back home, you drunk (I hope you are drunk)". Now, I wonder if English people love or hate this song xD

Great video! Just one lil correction: Mengoni is pronounced Maen-go-nee, not Mae-ño-nee

I honestly think we should've won😂 but the Portugal guy was very good too

It's gonna be unstoppable unless a Scandinavian country beats them to the finishing line

my friend is Mr Morris' grandson

Francesco Gabbani is great! He must win!

Can you do the same about Portugal's entry this year? :)

I am Italian .... BRAVO

very interestin video

ha un bel sorriso, he's got a great smile

This is great. You earned that subscribe.

Occidentalis karma explained like Beethoven 5th. Is incredible with the numerous talent we really have in our country.

Anyway the name you've shown is always wrong... not GabbIni but Gabbani ;)

Occidentali's Karma is a masterpiece 👏👏👏👏 good Sound and good lyrics

I'm sorry but I've to say that πάντα ρει is not a citation by the Greek Philosopher Heraclitus, but It was written by Cratylus

Alè

It was one of my favorites.

Euro Neuro is brilliant though! Such a classic

"Grazie" from Italy 😁

Ommmmm...

You should overthink Belgium, it deserves being 'overthought'. ;) Anyway, great video as always.

Francesco Gabbani is brilliant and Italy is going to win.

Essere o dove essere il dubbio amletico, Contemporaneo come l'uomo del neolitico. Capito? No? Va bene lo stesso

I am Italian and could not understand what the hell was he on about. But if you read the lyrics it kinda make sense.

NOI ITALIANI SIAMO TROPPO FORTI

namaste

At first glance, I thought it was a Corey Taylor's review... and God knows how many bleeps it would have included! :-D

Wow! Great video! You said it all! Italy will win Eurovision 2017 - anything else is a ....karma mistake :)

io sono italiano

The green screen is strong in this one

I think of Moldova's dancing astronaut last year, but maybe I was the only one ot love that song. Fingers crossed for the philosophy porn this year!

#namaste ALE !

AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DO NOT TELL ME THAT SPAIN OR PORTUGARL

From an italian, as I am, only one precisation: GET THE ITALIAN NAMES RIGHT! :)

L' essenziale!! Nessun grado di separazione!!Wow

My fave song. I understood it even whithout explanation. And I relate to it . I am an naked ape but I’m finding higher power to transcend this stupidity

1:33 Francesco Gabbini xD

Italy Celebrates Divisiveness not Diversity

No italian votes in Eurovision contest.Gabbani will not win for sure.

where is video about Armenia?