Raggio di sole [English translation]

Welcome, sunbeam,

to this land made of soil and stones,

to these lakes as white as snow

under your steps,

to this love, to this amusement,

to this carnival

where nobody loves you,

where nobody hates you.

To this music without ears,

to these books without words

welcome, sunbeam,

you’ll have pencils to play

and a glass to drink heavily

and a glass to drink gently,

a smile as a defence

and a passport to go far away.

Welcome to this window,

to this clear sky,

to all the honks of the morning,

to this world already overcrowded,

to this strange railway

unique in the world as for where it can go,

it takes you where the wind blows,

it takes you where you choose to return.

To this tranquil moon

that sits down sweetly

in the sea, there are a few clouds

but it doesn't matter

because a ship is passing afar

with all its lights on.

Welcome, nobody's child,

in this country.

• Artist:Francesco De Gregori
• Album:De Gregori (1978)