Mogol Reflects on a Lifetime in Italian Music and Launches New Memoir

Bologna, March 10, 2026 – Celebrated lyricist Mogol, whose real name is Giulio Rapetti, was recently honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sanremo Festival. He is now preparing for the launch of his new memoir, Senza paura (Without Fear), published by Salani.

A Legacy of Italian Songwriting

Mogol’s career spans decades, during which he collaborated with some of Italy’s most iconic artists, including Lucio Battisti, Mina, Gianni Morandi, and Ornella Vanoni. His operate has profoundly impacted Italian music and culture.

Sanremo Recognition and the Power of Popular Song

Reflecting on receiving the award at Sanremo, Mogol expressed his satisfaction at having contributed to a shared cultural heritage. He noted that the songs he helped create have resonated across generations, with even younger audiences rediscovering the work of artists like Lucio Battisti. He believes that a quality song can be both popular and enduring, emphasizing the importance of connecting with listeners on a personal level. “The song must also serve this, to raise the level of our knowledge,” he stated.

The Art of Lyricism and Word Choice

Mogol highlighted the power of language in songwriting, using the example of the word “uggiosa” (gloomy) from his collaboration with Lucio Battisti on the song “Una giorno uggiosa.” He explained that choosing less common but evocative words can enrich the Italian vocabulary and deepen the emotional impact of a song.

A Swift Creative Process

Remarkably, Mogol revealed that his songwriting process is often very quick. He believes that if lyrics don’t come within an hour, it’s best to step away from the desk, and that his most beloved songs were often written in under twenty minutes.

Collaboration and Inspiration

Mogol shared a story about co-writing “A tear on my face” with Bobby Solo, recounting how the lyrics were dictated while traveling to a recording studio after he had forgotten them at home.

Reconnecting with Gianni Morandi

The lyricist also spoke about his friendship with Gianni Morandi, recalling a period in the early 1980s when Morandi was considering leaving his career. Mogol encouraged him to continue, leading to the creation of “Stone songs” and a resurgence in Morandi’s career.

Book Presentation Details

Senza paura. La mia vita will be presented tomorrow, March 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the Cinema Modernissimo in Bologna. Mogol will be joined by Gianni Morandi and Emilio Marrese for the event.