A man at the piano, a cigarette bathed in black-and-white light, an orchestra slowly building momentum: «Poetica» by Cesare Cremonini is no ordinary love song, but a declaration of love for life itself. In 2017, the song marked the return of the Bolognese songwriter and became one of his biggest hits—a song you just can’t help but sing along to.
Profile: «Poetica»
- Artist: Cesare Cremonini
- Published: November 3, 2017, as the first single from the album «Possibili scenari»
- Text: Cesare Cremonini and Alessandro Magnanini · Music: Cesare Cremonini · Production: Walter Mameli
- Genre: Pop with jazz influences (strings, piano, brass finale)
- Special features: Italy's most-played radio song of 2017; certified triple platinum
The Story Behind the Song
Cesare Cremonini, born in Bologna in 1980, rose to fame as a teenager with Lùnapop and the summer hit «50 special» before launching one of the most successful solo careers in Italian pop starting in 2002. «Poetica» was released on November 3, 2017, as the first single from his sixth studio album, «Possibili scenari,» marking his return after a three-year hiatus.
Cremonini had worked on the album for over two years—with the stated goal of raising the bar and surpassing himself. It was recorded at the Mille Galassie Studio in Bologna, with the orchestral strings recorded at the venerable AIR Studios in London; Walter Mameli was responsible for the production. The result reached number one on the Italian album charts and was certified platinum; the subsequent tour sold tens of thousands of tickets. The single itself became the most-played song on Italian radio that year, climbed to number two on the official sales charts, and was certified triple platinum. Gaetano Morbioli shot the accompanying video in elegant black and white: Cremonini on stage, sometimes at the grand piano, sometimes dancing, while the camera’s movement becomes increasingly rhythmic.
What is «Poetica» about?
What makes «Poetica» special is that, despite its tender melody, the song is not a love song to a specific woman. Here, Cremonini sings about the love of life and human connection. He himself described the song as a kind of welcoming cocktail full of serotonin and dopamine—ingredients of happiness and togetherness—as a song meant to be sung along to, without trying to preach.
The title alone says it all: «Poetica» refers to personal poetry, a person’s artistic perspective. Cremonini described the song as something that was written, played, and sung without fear—an open confession rather than a calculated hit. It is precisely this honesty that makes the song so compelling.
Lyrics & Meaning
The text draws its power from a few powerful images that come together to form a celebration of the human condition.
It begins with an almost cinematic, cosmic atmosphere: The music—carried by the piano, strings, and even a theremin—evokes a journey through space toward another planet. This vastness creates the space in which the actual theme unfolds: the longing for closeness.
The central image is that of hands reaching for one another in the dark. The darkness symbolizes uncertainty and loneliness, while the touch represents the moment when another person illuminates that darkness. Added to this is the motif of the waves crashing over the two of them: a symbol of being overwhelmed by the force of life and yet remaining together.
Ultimately, the chorus is less a message than an invitation—to all who remember what it means to be human—to join in together. Instead of saccharine rhetoric, Cremonini relies on pure emotion; the grand brass finale elevates the piece to the level of a hymn at the end. Thus, a quiet declaration of love becomes a song about hope and solidarity.
«Poetica» on Video
Below, you can watch a special live performance of «Poetica»: the duet by Cesare Cremonini and Elisa, recorded in 2022 at the Mediolanum Forum in Milan. After their joint performance went viral online, the two officially released the live version—one of the most moving moments associated with the song.
Available for streaming on the following services:
That's what makes this song special
«Poetica» is one of those songs that can reset a career. The song combined Cremonini’s knack for catchy melodies with a sophisticated, orchestral arrangement and became the most-played song on Italian radio in 2017. Triple platinum status and a number-one album underscored its success.
Beyond the charts, «Poetica» has become a staple highlight of Cremonini’s concerts—a moment when entire stadiums sing along. In 2018, he released a stripped-down version for piano and voice only, which brought out the poetic essence of the piece even more clearly. And the live duet with Elisa proved just how deeply the song touches people: what began as a single concert evening turned into a widely shared, celebrated moment.
Conclusion
«Poetica» is Cesare Cremonini’s declaration that the most beautiful poetry lies in the simple act of being human—in a hand reaching out for another in the dark. A great melody, genuine emotion, and a hymnal finale make this song a modern classic of Italian pop. You can find more great Italian songs and their stories in our Music Section.
