I swam 300 meters to an island in Australia, but it was full of sharks. I swam back praying. As a young man, I fell in love with a stewardess and set off around the world.

Mogol, whose real name is Giulio Rapetti, has shared a vivid and personal account of his adventurous spirit and deep connection with music. He described swimming 300 meters through water filled with sharks to reach an island off the coast of Australia, an experience he recounted with both fear and reverence. Upon returning, he swam while praying, reflecting on the dangers he faced. This story, which highlights his fearless nature, is just one example of the many extraordinary experiences that have shaped his life and career. Born in 1934, Mogol will soon turn 90 years old, yet he still embodies the restless energy of a young man who once dreamed of adventure. His journey began with a fascination for a flight attendant, which led him to travel around the world alone. From Cuba to New Zealand, the United States, and finally Australia, his travels were driven by passion and curiosity. In Australia, he bought a car and found himself near the sea, where he discovered a small lake-like area surrounded by rocks. It was there that he decided to swim to an island, unaware of the danger lurking beneath the surface. His career in music has been equally remarkable. Mogol has written over 1,740 songs, contributing to some of Italy’s most iconic artists. Among them are Mina, Mango, Riccardo Cocciante, Bobby Solo, Adriano Celentano, and notably Lucio Battisti, with whom he formed one of the most enduring collaborations in Italian music history. His songwriting process often drew inspiration from his personal life, as seen in “La Luce Dell’Est,” inspired by a hunting trip in Yugoslavia. During this time, he brought along his dog, a champion in competitions, further illustrating how deeply his experiences influenced his work. One of his notable achievements was translating the works of international icons such as David Bowie and Bob Dylan into Italian. His rendition of “Space Oddity” was performed by The Duca Bianco, a respected figure in Italian music. However, his attempt to collaborate with Dylan on “Mr. Tambourine Man” did not go as planned. While in London, he sought Dylan's input on the song, but the Nobel Prize winner for Literature declined the offer. Dylan reportedly told him to forget it, emphasizing the importance of preserving the original text. Despite these challenges, Mogol has remained steadfast in his commitment to music. He has never considered changing careers, even after meeting and working with some of the greatest names in the industry. His dedication to his craft is evident in the countless songs he has written, each one a reflection of his life and experiences. Whether it was swimming through shark-infested waters or translating the poetry of Dylan, Mogol has always embraced the unexpected, turning moments of fear and wonder into art.