The song opens with the repeated phrase “Il re del rave,” establishing the central character and his return to the party scene. The imagery of a painted night suggests a vibrant, almost dreamlike atmosphere where the King thrives. The mention of makeshift equipment, like a Volkswagen’s parts, hints at a DIY spirit often found in underground rave culture, emphasizing creativity amidst chaos.

In the first verse, the King is depicted as a figure of both power and vulnerability. He faces challenges, such as being slapped by girls, which introduces a humorous yet tragic element to his character. This juxtaposition of strength and fragility is further emphasized by the mention of his father being a policeman, suggesting a rebellious streak against authority. The hallucination of the Madonna dancing under the bassline adds a layer of absurdity, merging the sacred with the profane, a common theme in rave culture where spirituality and hedonism often collide.

The second verse continues to explore the King’s surreal experiences. The reference to being slapped by two girls from Frasassi adds a local flavor, grounding the song in a specific cultural context while maintaining its whimsical tone. The comparison to Paul McCartney and Prince Giovanni suggests a blend of musical influences and the idea of the King as a pop culture icon. The imagery of San Francesco searching for the Cheshire Cat (Stregatto) further emphasizes the absurdity and dreamlike quality of the King’s adventures, reflecting the unpredictable nature of nightlife.

In the third verse, the King is described as looking like a roasted chicken, a humorous and grotesque image that highlights his vulnerability. The mention of his policeman father again hints at a tension between his wild lifestyle and familial expectations. The line about being an angel in a well suggests a sense of entrapment, despite his carefree persona. The reference to his dog, a small breed that eats American gum all day, adds a touch of whimsy and absurdity, reinforcing the chaotic nature of his life.

The bridge repeats the phrase “Il re del rave,” emphasizing the King’s omnipresence in the narrative. The line about him bringing bad luck suggests that his chaotic lifestyle may have consequences, hinting at a darker side to the rave experience. The mention of eating mushrooms and hallucinating Jesus selling bracelets further blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, showcasing the disorienting effects of rave culture.

In the final verse, the King’s travels from Salerno to Foggia illustrate his transient lifestyle, embodying the essence of rave culture where movement and change are constant. The line about him falling into the Arno River adds a dramatic twist, symbolizing potential downfall amidst the highs of nightlife. The reference to Leonardo inventing the King suggests a creative genesis, positioning the King as a product of artistic and cultural evolution. The closing lines, where the King sees God playing a Gibson guitar, encapsulate the blend of the divine and the absurd, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder and chaos that defines the rave experience.

Released in 2017, “Il Re del rave” reflects the growing popularity of electronic music and rave culture in Italy and beyond. The song captures the essence of a generation that embraces nightlife as a form of expression and escape, resonating with themes of rebellion and identity. The chaotic and surreal imagery mirrors the experiences of many who navigate the vibrant yet often disorienting world of raves, where music, art, and personal freedom collide.