(Intro)
(Sounds of a bustling Italian market. A coin dropping on cobblestone. Then, a cheap accordion starts a playful, upbeat tarantella melody. Spoons tapping rhythmically. Foot stomps)
(Verse 1)
(Deep baritone, charming and theatrical, like a ringmaster)
Signore e signori! Avanti, avanti!
Non vendo sogni, ma futuri brillanti!
Mi chiamo Carlito, mago di professione!
La mia magia? Questa piccola… spedizione!
La carta canta, il francobollo vola,
Trasforma la tua vita, in un’ora sola!
(Chorus)
(A small, enthusiastic crowd joins in, singing with him. The music is fast and joyful)
(CROWD) Carlito! Carlito! Re della Carta!
La sua promessa, il mondo scarta!
(CARLITO) Fidati di me, non c’è trucco, non c’è inganno!
(CROWD) Chi non risica non rosica, per tutto l’anno!
(Spoken Interlude)
(The music softens to just the accordion. Carlito’s voice becomes a seductive, close-mic whisper. A subtle tape hiss effect starts)
(In English) You see, my friends… it’s simple. A stamp from here… a letter to there… The world is a river of money, and I… I just show you where to put your cup. A small investment… for a lifetime of comfort. What do you say? Are you with me?
(Verse 2)
(The music returns, even faster and more frantic. The crowd is wilder. More clapping, more foot stomping)
Il vostro cento diventa mille!
Senza sudore, senza scintille!
Dimentica il lavoro, la fatica, il pianto!
Basta un francobollo, è un puro incanto!
L’apparenza inganna? Ma la mia è sincera!
Questa è la nuova, magnifica era!
(Bridge)
(The music suddenly glitches. The accordion melody warps and detunes for a moment. The joyful crowd sounds distant and filtered. A low, glitchy whisper, layered over the top)
(In English) But a dream built on whispers… is a house made of glass.
A rhythm this perfect… was never meant to last.
They dance on the edge… of a beautiful crash.
(The glitchy effects intensify slightly)
The paper castle… turns to ash…
(Outro)
(The music returns to its joyful melody, but something feels off. It’s slightly slower, slightly melancholic. The crowd sings one last time, but now their voices are tired and full of regret)
(CROWD) Chi troppo vuole… nulla stringe…
Chi troppo vuole… nulla stringe…
(The accordion plays one last, long, sad note that fades out with a tape-stop effect. The sound of a single coin dropping on cobblestone again. Silence)