Analysis of Song Lyrics at the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival: A Blend of Tradition and Contemporary Language
According to linguistic analysis by scholar Luca serianni of the Accademia della crusca, the lyrics presented at the 2026 Sanremo Music Festival demonstrate a continuation of existing trends in Italian songwriting, with a notable absence of radical innovation. The analysis,reported by ANSA,reveals a lyrical landscape characterized by intertextuality,colloquial language,and a moderate use of foreign words.
Serianni notes a prevalence of the “indefinite lover” as a lyrical theme, a classic trope in 20th-century Italian poetry. While the lyrics employ various figures of speech, including metaphors and transliterations, manny are considered conventional. A significant element observed is the integration of rap influences, retaining a connection to the tradition of the canzone d’autore (authorial song).
A key trend identified is the incorporation of everyday spoken language and colloquial expressions into song lyrics. Dialectalisms and strong profanity are relatively scarce; instances of words like “fottere” or “fottuto” have decreased compared to the previous year. The analysis suggests a general lack of lyrical transgression, even from artists initially perceived as more rebellious.
Foreign language influences are present, primarily in the form of common Anglicisms like “baby” and “feeling.” Elettra Lamborghini utilized some French phrases (“bagarre,” “voilà”), while Samurai Jay incorporated Spanish phrases, including “una noche de sexo.”
Notably, the lyrics demonstrate a high degree of intertestualità – referencing other songs and cultural works. Examples include allusions to “Andamento lento” and a reworking of the Neapolitan song “Resta cu ‘mme” (later popularized by Pino Daniele) in a contemporary song titled “Resta con me.” The influence of iconic songwriters like Mogol and Battisti, as well as Franco Battiato, Lucio Dalla, and Francesco de Gregori, is also apparent.
Serianni highlights the collaborative nature of songwriting in contemporary Sanremo, with multiple authors frequently enough contributing to a single track. he wryly notes that while such collaboration might suggest profound lyrical depth, this isn’t always the case. The lyrics also feature references to popular culture, including brands like Valentino, public figures like Fabio Cannavaro, and even indirect allusions to Silvio berlusconi.A especially noteworthy event is the first-ever direct lyrical reference to singer-songwriter luigi Tenco, who tragically died near sanremo.
Serianni emphasizes that his assessment is not intended as strict criticism, but rather as a lighthearted observation. He concludes by stating that, historically, a song’s ultimate success at Sanremo frequently enough defies prediction.
Source:
* ANSA. “Coveri-crusca: nei testi di Sanremo, medieta’ senza picchi.” ANSA, 17 Feb. 2026, http://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cultura/musica/speciali/sanremo_2026/2026/02/17/coveri-crusca-nei-testi-di-sanremo-medieta-senza-picchi_8768de85-7154-4a4c-a9d1-ecce6a502913.html.
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