Ballata degli impiccati [English translation]

We all died hardly

swallowing our last voice

throwing kicks to the wind

we saw the light fade.

The howl overwhelmed the sun,

the air became tight

crystals of words

the last blasphemy uttered.

Before it was over

we reminded those still alive

that the price was our life

for the evil done in an hour.

Then we slipped into the cold

of a death without abandon

reciting the ancient creed

of those who die without forgiveness.

Those who derided our defeat

and the extreme shame and manner of it

choked by an identical grip

may learn to know the knot.

He who spread the dirt on our bones

and got carelessly back to his path

may also reach exhausted the grave

with the early morning fog.

The woman who hid behind a smile

the discomfort of remembering us

may find each night on her face

an insult of time and a graze.

We hold for everyone a grudge

that smells of dried blood

what we then called pain

is just a matter left hanging.

• Artist:Fabrizio De André
• Album:Tutti morimmo a stento (1968)