Soldi paints a vivid picture of Mahmood’s complicated relationship with a father who seems to pop back into his life only when it is convenient. The song opens in a scorching suburb where memories of hookah smoke, Jackie Chan movies, and Ramadan mix with unanswered questions. Mahmood sings about racing thoughts, broken promises, and an ever-present refrain of “come va?” that hides deeper betrayals. Beneath the catchy beat runs the bitter realization that what looked like love was really a hunt for money—a theme hammered home by the repetitive, almost hypnotic cry of “soldi, soldi.”
More than just a tale of family disappointment, the track explores the loss of pride and identity that comes when you leave home or get left behind. Mahmood’s lyrics balance anger with vulnerability, showing how hard it is to stay grounded when trust is shattered. Even as the singer distances himself from the past, the final lines reveal lingering hurt: the father is gone again, asking the same empty question. With its mix of Arabic-tinged rhythms and modern pop, “Soldi” becomes a universal anthem about valuing yourself over empty promises and realizing that the best currency is self-respect, not cash.
Mahmood (born Alessandro Mahmoud on September 12, 1992, in Milan, Italy) is a celebrated Italian singer and songwriter known for blending pop, R&B, and hip hop influences. Rising to fame through the sixth season of the Italian X Factor, Mahmood quickly made his mark by winning the prestigious Sanremo Music Festival twice — first in 2019 with the hit "Soldi" and again in 2022 alongside Blanco with "Brividi".
His success at Sanremo allowed him to represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest twice, achieving second place in 2019 and sixth place as the host entry in 2022. Mahmood’s music is distinguished by its emotional depth and multicultural roots, stemming from his Egyptian and Sardinian heritage. With three acclaimed studio albums — Gioventù bruciata, Ghettolimpo, and Nei letti degli altri — he has become one of Italy’s most streamed contemporary artists, captivating audiences both nationally and internationally.