Earth is just earth
Even without roots
Even if it doesn’t keep me grounded
And it dirties my clothes
Now that you’re leaving, remember the earth
The queue for the communion wafer, mouths gaping
The home that boots you out early
August is nothing but winter’s head, feet down in the grave
Yes, I know, I know blood is blood
But there are vampires
And some families bleed
And happy families
Trees growing without roots
And distant tarantellas slipping down to the sea, farther down
I learned how to knock, I swear
They search for poison in the garbage
Outside our home’s door
They find only four‑hundred cigarette butts
From guests busy hugging mom
I know few of them, maybe I don’t even care, but I smile
And ask: “Would you like a glass of water?”
They squeeze my cheekbones harder than the spaces between their knuckles
The old ladies in single file
The old ladies in single file
Single file, single file
I’ve decided to make peace with you
Even if you left me alone
I’ve decided to make peace with you
Even if you scared me
I no longer have ghosts under my sheets
I count more ghosts among the school desks
My table is set with Christmas bastards
I was a special being but they didn’t care for me
Love is caring for me
Love is calling every morning, a word for me
One word was enough for me
Instead you’re just thirsty and you don’t know me while you stand in line
I am your priest
I know what it means to love to death
I need to get out
I can’t breathe, I must go away
The old ladies in single file
Single file, single file
The song is deeply autobiographical, inspired by the death of her father, the singer-songwriter Pino Mango. The phrase “trees without roots” symbolizes the pain and loss that tear away your sense of grounding or belonging.
A powerful image: a vague crowd — voices nearby but emotionally distant — approaching not to offer real comfort, but to look for gossip, blame, or poison. Angelina described them as “a scar we must take care of.”
The reference to cigarette butts left by “guests hugging mom” reflects how even condolences can become superficial or performative — more symbolic than heartfelt.
I’ve decided to make peace with you .. is very likely addressed to Angelina Mango’s father, Pino Mango, who suddenly passed away in 2014 while performing on stage.
In the context of the song, that line is part of a deeply emotional moment in which the protagonist processes: the pain of loss, the loneliness that followed, and the need for inner reconciliation, even with someone who is no longer here.
This song is
A powerful inner journey through grief, identity, and liberation — sung with clear eyes and an open heart.
Laura
Music, travel and art 