I’ve always found music to be a fun and engaging way to learn a new language. Hence the idea for this article dedicated to some of the most famous Italian songs that can help you improve your vocabulary while learning some interesting stories.
Italy has made a significant contribution to the musical landscape with emotional ballads, high-energy rock jams, and everything in between. While it’s obviously impossible to cover the entire history of Italian music in this article, I’m excited to take you on a journey to discover some of our iconic songs.
Famous Italian songs
Interestingly, most of the songs that have helped to establish Italy’s reputation worldwide are actually quite old. But despite their age, they continue enchant us all. I think their beauty lies precisely in their ability to transcend time, captivating listeners of all generations.
With that said, put on your headphones and get ready to enjoy some of these timeless Italian tunes – along with a more recent hit!
‘O Sole Mio by Enrico Caruso
“‘O Sole Mio” has been sung by people all over the world and has even made it to space. Yes, you read it right! The first person to journey into space, Jurij Gagarin, sang ‘O Sole Mio’ while he was up there. The legend Elvis Presley was also inspired by this song and wrote “It’s now or never” in the 1960s. And apparently even Pope John Paul II couldn’t resist its charm and sang it in 2002 when he visited Ischia!
But did you know that the composer Eduardo di Capua didn’t take draw inspiration from the the beautiful Neapolitan gulf when he wrote this song? The story goes like this – in 1898, journalist Giovanni Capurro sent the lyrics to Eduardo, who was on tour in Odessa with his violinist father. It was in front of a breathtaking dawn over the Black Sea that Eduardo put the lyrics to music.
Neapolitan lyrics
Che bella cosa na jurnata ‘e sole
N’aria serena doppo na tempesta
Pe’ ll’aria fresca pare già na festa
Che bella cosa na jurnata ‘e sole
Ma n’atu sole
Cchiu’ bello, oi ne’
‘O sole mio
Sta ‘nfronte a te
‘O sole, ‘o sole mio
Sta ‘nfronte a te
Sta ‘nfronte a te
Quando fa notte e ‘o sole se ne scenne
Me viene quase ‘na malincunia
Soto a fenesta toia restarria
Quando fa notte e ‘o sole se ne scenne
Ma n’atu sole
Cchiu’ bello, oi ne’
‘O sole mio
Sta ‘nfronte a te
‘O sole, ‘o sole mio
Sta ‘nfronte a te
Sta ‘nfronte a te
English translation
What a beautiful thing, a sunny day
The calm air after the storm
The air is so fresh that it already feels like a celebration
What a beautiful thing, a sunny day
But there’s no other sun
That is more beautiful
It’s my sun
It’s upon your face
Oh sun, my own sun
It’s upon your face, upon your face
When the night comes and the sun goes down
A sense of melancholy catches me
And I’d stay under your window
When the night comes and the sun goes down
But there’s no other sun
That is more beautiful
It’s my sun
It’s upon your face
Oh sun, my own sun
It’s upon your face, upon your face
Nel blu dipinto di blu by Domenico Modugno
This iconic Italian song – also known as “Volare” – has captured hearts across the globe since its creation. It was the summer of 1957 when Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci penned it. While the true genesis of the song remains shrouded in mystery, one popular tale suggests that a tipsy Migliacci found inspiration in Marc Chagall’s painting “Le coq rouge dans la nuit.” Meanwhile, the catchy “Volare oh oh” we all know and love was born from a moment of serendipity as Modugno gazed at the blue sky with his wife from their apartment in Rome.
The song was first presented at the Sanremo Music Festival in 1958, kicking off an unstoppable wave of success. Modugno became known as “Mister Volare” in the US, and the song was recorded in 13 languages, selling million records across the globe! Meanwhile in Italy, ”Volare” became the anthem of the economic miracle and the “Dolce Vita” as the country was transitioning into a new era, finally rising from the ashes of post-war reconstruction.
Italian lyrics
Penso che un sogno così non ritorni mai più
Mi dipingevo le mani e la faccia di blu
Poi d’improvviso venivo dal vento rapito
E incominciavo a volare nel cielo infinito
Volare oh, oh
Cantare oh, oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassù
E volavo, volavo felice più in alto del sole
Ed ancora più su
Mentre il mondo pian piano spariva lontano laggiù
Una musica dolce suonava soltanto per me
Volare oh, oh
Cantare oh, oh
Nel blu dipinto di blu
Felice di stare lassù
Ma tutti i sogni nell’alba svaniscon perché
Quando tramonta la luna li porta con sé
Ma io continuo a sognare negli occhi tuoi belli
Che sono blu come un cielo trapunto di stelle
Volare oh, oh
Cantare oh, oh
Nel blu degli occhi tuoi blu
Felice di stare quaggiù
E continuo a volare felice più in alto del sole
Ed ancora più su
Mentre il mondo pian piano scompare negli occhi tuoi blu
La tua voce è una musica dolce che suona per me
Volare oh, oh
Cantare oh, oh
Nel blu degli occhi tuoi blu
Felice di stare quaggiù
Nel blu degli occhi tuoi blu
Felice di stare quaggiù
Con te
English translation
I think a dream like this will never come back
I was painting my hands and face blue
then I was suddenly seized by the wind
and began to fly in the infinite sky
Fly, oh oh!
Sing, oh, oh, oh, oh!
In the blue-painted blue sky
Happy to be up there
And I flew, I flew happily
Higher up than the sun, and higher yet
While the world slowly faded away down there
A sweet music was playing just for me
Fly, oh oh!
Sing, oh, oh, oh, oh!
In the blue-painted blue sky
Happy to be up there
But every dream vanishes at dawn because
When the moon sets she takes them away with her
But I keep dreaming in your beautiful eyes
That are blue like a star-spangled sky
Fly, oh oh!
Sing, oh, oh, oh, oh!
In the blue, the blue of your eyes
Happy to be down here
And I continue to flew, happy, higher up than the sun
And higher yet
While the world slowly fades away in your blue eyes
Your voice is a sweet music that plays for me
Fly, oh oh!
Sing, oh, oh, oh, oh!
In the blue of your blue-painted eyes
Happy to be down here
With you
Azzurro by Adriano Celentano
“Azzurro” is a unique song that’s left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide. When the 2020 lockdown had everyone feeling blue, “Azzurro” was sung out loud from our balconies and windows uniting people in solidarity. Some even think it should replace “Fratelli d’Italia” as Italy’s national anthem!
The song, sung by the one and only Adriano Celentano, evokes the essence of summertime in the city, with the protagonist is itching to break free. The first time “Azzurro” was played on the radio in 1968, no one could have predicted how big it would become. Its unconventional style was a departure from the traditional Italian music of that era. But boy, did it strike a chord! The genius behind the song, Paolo Conte, hailed as one of the most groundbreaking singer-songwriters in the history of Italian tunes.
Italian lyrics
Cerco l’estate tutto l’anno
E all’improvviso eccola qua
Lei è partita per le spiagge
E sono solo quassù in città
Sento fischiare sopra i tetti
Un aeroplano che se ne va
Azzurro
Il pomeriggio è troppo azzurro
E lungo per me
Mi accorgo
Di non avere più risorse
Senza di te
E allora
Io quasi quasi prendo il treno
E vengo, vengo da te
Il treno dei desideri
Nei miei pensieri all’incontrario va
Sembra quand’ero all’oratorio
Con tanto sole, tanti anni fa
Quelle domeniche da solo
In un cortile, a passeggiar
Ora mi annoio più di allora
Neanche un prete per chiacchierar
Azzurro
Il pomeriggio è troppo azzurro
E lungo per me
Mi accorgo
Di non avere più risorse
Senza di te
E allora
Io quasi quasi prendo il treno
E vengo, vengo da te
Il treno dei desideri
Nei miei pensieri all’incontrario va
Cerco un po’ d’Africa in giardino
Tra l’oleandro e il baobab
Come facevo da bambino
Ma qui c’è gente, non si può più
Stanno innaffiando le tue rose
Non c’è il leone, chissà dov’è
Azzurro
Il pomeriggio è troppo azzurro
E lungo per me
Mi accorgo
Di non avere più risorse
Senza di te
E allora
Io quasi quasi prendo il treno
E vengo, vengo da te
Ma il treno dei desideri
Nei miei pensieri all’incontrario va
Azzurro
Il pomeriggio è troppo azzurro
E lungo per me
Mi accorgo
Di non avere più risorse
English translation
I look for summer all year round
And all of a sudden, here it is
She left for the beach
And I’m alone, up here, in town
I hear whistling over the rooftops
An airplane that is leaving
Blue
The afternoon is too blue
And long for me
I realize
I have no more resources
Without you
And so
I’m about to take the train
And coming, coming to you
But the train of desires
Goes the opposite way in my thoughts
It looks like when I was at the oratory
With so much sun, so many years ago
Those Sundays all alone
In a courtyard, strolling
I’m more bored now than back then
Not even a priest to talk to
Blue
The afternoon is too blue
And long for me
I realize
I don’t have resources anymore
Without you
And so
I’m about to take the train
And coming, coming to you
But the train of desires
Goes the opposite way in my thoughts
I’m looking for a bit of Africa in the garden
Between the oleander and the baobab
Like I used to do as a child
But there are people, it’s not possible anymore
They are watering your roses
The lion is not here, who knows where he is
Blue
The afternoon is too blue
And long for me
I realize
I don’t have resources anymore
Without you
And so
I’m about to take the train
And coming, coming to you
But the train of desires
Goes the opposite way in my thoughts
Quando Quando Quando by Tony Renis
“Quando Quando Quando” has earned its spot as one of the all-time favorite tunes, having sold a staggering 50 million copies across the globe. Originally presented by Tony Renis at the Sanremo Festival in 1962, this song was an instant hit in Italy and later took the United States by storm with the English version adapted and sung by Pat Boone. And it doesn’t stop there – countless artists, including Nelly Furtado and Michael Buble’, have covered this song. It has also been used in many famous movies, such as The Blues Brothers, Superman Returns, and Nine.
What makes “Quando Quando Quando” so special is the perfect combination of simple lyrics and joyful music, which makes this tune truly infectious!
Italian lyrics
Dimmi quando tu verrai
Dimmi quando, quando, quando
L’anno, il giorno e l’ora in cui
Forse tu mi bacerai
Ogni istante attenderò
Fino a quando, quando, quando
D’improvviso ti vedrò
Sorridente accanto a me
Se vuoi dirmi di sì
Devi dirlo perché
Non ha senso per me
La mia vita senza te
Dimmi quando tu verrai
Dimmi quando, quando, quando
E baciandomi dirai
“Non ci lasceremo mai”
Se vuoi dirmi di sì
Devi dirlo perché
Non ha senso per me
La mia vita senza te
Dimmi quando tu verrai
Dimmi quando, quando, quando
E baciandomi dirai
“Non ci lasceremo mai”
“Non ci lasceremo mai”
“Non ci lasceremo mai”
English translation
Tell me when you will come
Tell me when, when, when
The year, the day and the hour when
Maybe you will kiss me
I will wait every moment
Until when, when, when
All of a sudden I’ll see you
Smiling next to me
If you want to say yes
You have to say it because
It makes no sense to me
My life without you
Tell me when you will come
Tell me when, when, when
And kissing me you’ll say
“We’ll never leave each other”
If you want to say yes
You have to say it because
It makes no sense to me
My life without you
Tell me when you will come
Tell me when, when, when
And kissing me you’ll say
“We’ll never leave each other”
“We’ll never leave each other”
“We’ll never leave each other”
L’Italiano by Toto Cutugno
Toto Cutugno’s “L’Italiano” is an ode to the essence of our Italian identity and has become a rival to other Italian musical icons. Interestingly, the song was originally penned for Adriano Celentano, who declined to perform the song. Big mistake, as “L’Italiano” soared to immense international success following its debut at the Sanremo Festival in 1983.
The playful lyrics of “L’Italiano” paint a vivid picture of the quintessential Italian, spotlighting our unique traits and quirks. The song embraces widely recognized Italian traits such as our love for spaghetti al dente, caffè ristretto, and the sacred ritual of Sunday football. It also references the growing impact of American influence on our society, highlighting how we were starting to embrace new cultural touchstones at the time the song was written.
Italian lyrics
Lasciatemi cantare
Con la chitarra in mano
Lasciatemi cantare
Sono un italiano
Buongiorno Italia, gli spaghetti al dente
E un partigiano come presidente
Con l’autoradio sempre nella mano destra
Un canarino sopra la finestra
Buongiorno Italia con i tuoi artisti
Con troppa America sui manifesti
Con le canzoni, con amore
Con il cuore
Con più donne e sempre meno suore
Buongiorno Italia, buongiorno Maria
Con gli occhi pieni di malinconia
Buongiorno Dio
Lo sai che ci sono anch’io
Lasciatemi cantare
Con la chitarra in mano
Lasciatemi cantare
Una canzone piano piano
Lasciatemi cantare
Perché ne sono fiero
Sono un italiano
Un italiano vero
Buongiorno Italia che non si spaventa
Con la crema da barba alla menta
Con un vestito gessato sul blu
E la moviola la domenica in TV
Buongiorno Italia col caffè ristretto
Le calze nuove nel primo cassetto
Con la bandiera in tintoria
E una Seicento giù di carrozzeria
Buongiorno Italia, buongiorno Maria
Con gli occhi pieni di malinconia
Buongiorno Dio
Lo sai che ci sono anch’io
Lasciatemi cantare
Con la chitarra in mano
Lasciatemi cantare
Una canzone piano piano
Lasciatemi cantare
Perché ne sono fiero
Sono un italiano
Un italiano vero
Lasciatemi cantare
Con la chitarra in mano
Lasciatemi cantare
Una canzone piano piano
Lasciatemi cantare
Perché ne sono fiero
Sono un italiano
Un italiano vero
English translation
Let me sing
With the guitar in hand
Let me sing
I am Italian
Good morning Italy, spaghetti al dente
And a partisan as president
With the car radio always on the right hand
And a canary above the window
Good morning Italy with your artists
With too much America on the posters
With songs about love
With heart
With more women less and less nuns
Good morning Italy
Good morning Maria
With eyes full of melancholy
Good morning God
You know I am here too
Let me sing
With the guitar in hand
Let me sing
A song slowly, slowly
Let me sing
Because I’m proud of it
I am Italian
A real Italian
Good morning Italy that doesn’t get scared
And with mint shaving cream
With a blue pinstriped suit
And the slow-motion replay always on TV on Sundays
Good morning Italy with small coffee
The new socks in the first drawer
With the flag at the dry cleaners
And the 600 (fiat) in the body shop
Good morning Italy
Good morning Maria
With eyes full of melancholy
Good morning God
You know I am here too
Let me sing
With the guitar in hand
Let me sing
A song slowly, slowly
Let me sing
Because I’m proud of it
I am Italian
A real Italian
Con te partirò by Andrea Bocelli
Here’s one of those songs that never fails to give me goosebumps: “Con te partirò”. Originally performed by Andrea Bocelli at the 1995 Sanremo Music Festival, it quickly gained global recognition as one of the most famous Italian songs. Even the English soprano Sarah Brightman couldn’t resist its allure and joined forces with Bocelli to create an international version called “Time to Say Goodbye”. And in 1999, disco legend Donna Summer released a dance version of the song that had fans grooving to the beat.
The melody transcends classical and pop music, and at the time, the fact that a tenor like Bocelli embraced this style of music may have raised some eyebrows initially, but “Con te partirò” is a true masterpiece. The lyrics speak of an imaginary journey through with the one you love, reminding us that in difficult times, we can still uncover strength and hope by seeing the world through the eyes of love. Pure beauty.
Italian lyrics
Quando sono solo sogno all’orizzonte
E mancan le parole
Sì lo so che non c’è luce
In una stanza quando manca il sole
Se non ci sei tu con me, con me
Su le finestre
Mostra a tutti il mio cuore che hai acceso
Chiudi dentro me
La luce che hai incontrato per strada
Con te partirò
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te
Adesso si li vivrò
Con te partirò
Su navi per mari che io lo so
No, no, non esistono più,
Con te io li vivrò
Quando sei lontana sogno all’orizzonte
E mancane le parole
E io sì lo so che sei con me, con me
Tu mia luna tu sei qui con me
Mio sole tu sei qui con me, con me, con me, con me
Con te partirò
Paesi che non ho mai
Veduto e vissuto con te
Adesso sì li vivrò
Con te partirò
Su navi per mari che io lo so
No, no, non esistono più
Con te io li rivivrò
Con te partirò
Su navi per mari che io lo so
No, no, non esistono più
Con te io li rivivrò
Con te partirò
Io con te
English translation
When I’m alone, I dream on the horizon
And words fail
Yes, I know there’s no light
In a room when the sun is absent
If you’re not with me, with me
At the windows
Show everyone my heart
Which you set alight
Enclose within me
The light that
You encountered on the street
I’ll leave with you
To countries I never saw and shared with you
Now, yes, I’ll experience them
I’ll leave with you
On ships across seas
Which, I know
No, no, they no longer exist
I’ll experience them with you
When you are far away, I dream on the horizon
and words fail,
and, yes, I know that you are with me
you, my moon, are here with me,
my sun, you are here with me, with me, with me
I’ll leave with you
To countries I never saw and shared with you
Now, yes, I’ll experience them
I’ll leave with you
On ships across seas
Which, I know
No, no, they no longer exist
I’ll experience them with you
Me with you
Bella Ciao by Various Artists
“Bella Ciao” is one of the most beloved Italian folk songs of all time. You may have heard it while binge-watching Money Heist on Netflix, or maybe you know it from your Italian friends who can’t help but sing it at every gathering.
But Bella Ciao is much more than a cheerful song, and it’s grown to represent the struggle for freedom and the fight against oppression.
While it’s commonly associated with the Italian Partisans fighting against fascist forces, the origins of the song are still uncertain and it was probably never used during that period and ended up identifying the ideas of the partisans only after WWII was over. More generally, the song has become a symbol of resistance and freedom from all forms of repression around the world and it’s commonly sung at gatherings of left-wing political parties in Italy.
Italian lyrics
Una mattina mi son alzato
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
Una mattina mi son alzato
E ho trovato l’invasor
O partigiano portami via
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
O partigiano portami via
Che mi sento di morir
E se io muoio da partigiano
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
E se io muoio da partigiano
Tu mi devi seppellir
E seppellire lassù in montagna
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
E seppellire lassù in montagna
Sotto l’ombra di un bel fior
Tutte le genti che passeranno
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao,
Tutte le genti che passeranno
Mi diranno “Che bel fior!”
E questo è il fiore del partigiano
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao
E questo è il fiore del partigiano
Morto per la libertà
E questo è il fiore del partigiano
Morto per la libertà
English translation
One morning I woke up
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye
One morning I woke up
and I found the invader
Oh partisan take me away
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye
Oh partisan take me away
Because I feel death is approaching
And if I die as a partisan
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye
And if I die as a partisan
You must bury me
You will bury me over there on the mountain
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye
You will bury me over there on the mountain
Under the shade of a beautiful flower
And all the people passing by
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye And all the people passing by
Will say “what a beautiful flower!”
And this is the flower of the partisan
Oh Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye, bye
Who died for freedom
And this is the flower of the partisan
Who died for freedom
Felicità by Al Bano & Romina Power
“Felicità” a very famous Italian song by sweethearts Al Bano and Romina. They were like the Beyoncé and Jay-Z of Italy back in the 80s and 90s, and even starred in movies based on their own songs. Sadly, they broke up after their daughter Ylenia mysteriously disappeared, but their songs have continued to touch the hearts of many.
“Felicità” is one of their most famous songs, an anthem for finding happiness in the little things in life. You don’t need fancy cars or designer clothes to be happy – just a few simple pleasures can do the trick. The lyrics are easy to understand, even if you don’t speak Italian. They talk about how happiness can be found in things like holding hands, leaving notes in the drawer, rain falling behind the curtains, and even a glass of wine with a sandwich” (because, hey, we Italians love our food!).
Italian lyrics
Felicità è tenersi per mano andare lontano
La felicità è il tuo sguardo innocente in mezzo alla gente
La felicità è restare vicini come bambini
La felicità, felicità
Felicità è un cuscino di piume
L’acqua del fiume che passa e va
È la pioggia che scende dietro le tende
La felicità è abbassare la luce per fare pace
La felicità, felicità
Felicità è un bicchiere di vino con un panino
La felicità è lasciarti un biglietto dentro al cassetto
La felicità è cantare a due voci quanto mi piaci
La felicità, felicità
Senti nell’aria c’è già
La nostra canzone d’amore che va
Come un pensiero che sa di felicità
Senti nell’aria c’è già
Un raggio di sole più caldo che va
Come un sorriso che sa di felicità
Felicità è una sera a sorpresa
La luna accesa e la radio che va
È un biglietto d’auguri pieno di cuori
La felicità è una telefonata non aspettata
La felicità, felicità
Felicità è una spiaggia di notte, l’onda che batte
La felicità è una mano sul cuore piena d’amore
La felicità è aspettare l’aurora per farlo ancora
La felicità, felicità
Senti nell’aria c’è già
La nostra canzone d’amore che va
Come un pensiero che sa di felicità
Senti nell’aria c’è già
Un raggio di sole più caldo che va
Come un sorriso che sa di felicità
Senti nell’aria c’è già
La nostra canzone d’amore che va
Come un pensiero che sa di felicità
English translation
Happiness is holding each other’s hands, going far
Happiness is your innocent gaze in the crowd
Happiness is staying close like children
Happiness, happiness
Happiness is a feather pillow
The river water flowing along and away
It’s rain falling behind the curtains
Happiness is turning down the lights to make peace
Happiness, happiness
Happiness is a glass of wine with a sandwich
Happiness is leaving you a note in the drawer
Happiness is singing with two voices how I like you
Happiness, happiness
Listen to our love song
That’s already in the air and is going
Like a thought that tastes like happiness
Feel a warmer sun ray
That’s already in the air and is going
Like a smile that tastes like happiness
Happiness is a surprising night
The moon on and the and the radio playing
It’s a greeting card full of hearts
Happiness is an unexpected phone call
Happiness, happiness
Happiness is a beach at night, a growing wave
Happiness is a hand full of love on your heart
Happiness is waiting for the dawn to do it once again
Happiness, happiness
Listen to our love song
that’s already in the air and is going
Like a thought that tastes like happiness
Feel a warmer sun ray
That’s already in the air and is going
Like a smile that tastes like happiness
Listen to our love song
That’s already in the air and is going
Like a thought that tastes like happiness
Funiculì Funiculà by Luigi Denza
Among the most famous Italian songs, Funiculì Funiculà stands as Italy’s first-ever marketing earworm. This captivating tune was originally crafted to promote the Vesuvius Funicular inaugurated in 1880. At the time, this innovation didn’t get much love since people were put off by the ticket prices. Plus, sticking to traditional means of transportation like walking or riding mules seemed way more appealing (and safer). So, the management decided to launch a toe-tapping song to get people excited about the Funicular. And thus, Funiculì Funiculà was born.
This song quickly captivated the hearts of Italians and spread throughout the nation and beyond, selling an astonishing one million copies in its debut year. Its charm even extended to the composer Richard Strauss, who, in 1886, integrated it into the grand finale of his symphony “From Italy”. So, next time you’re in the mood for some Italian flair, give Funiculì Funiculà a listen and let the fun begin!
Neapolitan lyrics
Aisséra, Nanniné, mme ne sagliette
Tu saje addó? Tu saje addó?
Addó ‘stu core ‘ngrato cchiù dispiette
Farme nun po’, farme nun po’
Addó lu ffuoco coce, ma si fuje
Te lassa stà, te lassa stà
E nun te corre appriesso, nun te struje
Sulo a guardà, sulo a guardà
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
Funiculì, funiculà
‘Ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
Se n’è sagliuta, oje né, se n’è sagliuta,
La capa già, la capa già
È gghiuta, po’ è turnata, po’ è venuta,
Sta sempe ccà, sta sempe ccà
La capa vota, vota, attuorno, attuorno
Attuorno a tte, attuorno a tte
Stu core canta sempre nel taluorno:
Sposamme, oje né, sposamme, oje né
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
Funiculì, funiculà
‘Ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Jammo, jammo ‘ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
Funiculì, funiculà
‘Ncoppa, jammo jà
Funiculì, funiculà
English translation
Yesterday evening, Anna, I went up,
Do you know where, do you know where
Where this ungrateful heart
No longer pains me, no longer pains me
Where fire burns, but if you run away
It lets you be, it lets you be
And it doesn’t chase you, it doesn’t torment you
Just with a look, just with a look
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
Funicular up, funicular down
To the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
She climbed up, do you see, she climbed up
my head’s spinning, my head’s spinning
She went away, then she came back, then she came
She’s always here, she’s always here
My head’s spinning, spinning around
Around you, around you
This heart of mine sings always the same refrain
Let’s get married, let’s get married
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
Funicular up, funicular down
To the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Let’s go, let’s go, to the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
Funicular up, funicular down
To the top we’ll go
Funicular up, funicular down
Zitti e buoni by Måneskin
Among the more recent songs that have gained international recognition is “Zitti e Buoni” (Be quiet and behave) by the Italian rock band Måneskin. The four members, all in their 20s, honed their skills performing in Rome streets and, after triumphing at the 2021 Sanremo Music Festival and Eurovision Song Contest to the cry of “Rock ‘n’ Roll Never Dies!”, they rapidly rose to global music prominence.
The song is a potent track for rebels and free-spirited, daring us to defy conformity and societal expectations. With its explosive notes and Damiano’s raw vocals, this track is sure to unleash your inner rockstar every time you listen to it!
Italian lyrics
Loro non sanno di che parlo
Voi siete sporchi fra’ di fango
Giallo di siga fra le dita
Io con la siga camminando
Scusami ma ci credo tanto
Che posso fare questo salto
Anche se la strada è in salita
Per questo ora mi sto allenando
E buonasera signore e signori
Fuori gli attori
Vi conviene toccarvi i coglioni
Vi conviene stare zitti e buoni
Qui la gente è strana tipo spacciatori
Troppe notti stavo chiuso fuori
Mo’ li prendo a calci ‘sti portoni
Sguardo in alto tipo scalatori
Quindi scusa mamma se sto sempre fuori, ma
Sono fuori di testa ma diverso da loro
E tu sei fuori di testa ma diversa da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Io ho scritto pagine e pagine
Ho visto sale poi lacrime
Questi uomini in macchina
Non scalare le rapide
Scritto sopra una lapide
In casa mia non c’è Dio
Ma se trovi il senso del tempo
Risalirai dal tuo oblio
E non c’è vento che fermi
La naturale potenza
Dal punto giusto di vista
Del vento senti l’ebrezza
Con ali in cera alla schiena
Ricercherò quell’altezza
Se vuoi fermarmi ritenta
Prova a tagliarmi la testa
Perché
Sono fuori di testa ma diverso da loro
E tu sei fuori di testa ma diversa da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Parla la gente purtroppo
Parla non sa di che cosa parla
Tu portami dove sto a galla
Che qui mi manca l’aria
Parla la gente purtroppo
Parla non sa di che cosa parla
Tu portami dove sto a galla
Che qui mi manca l’aria
Parla la gente purtroppo
Parla non sa di che cazzo parla
Tu portami dove sto a galla
Che qui mi manca l’aria
Ma sono fuori di testa ma diverso da loro
E tu sei fuori di testa ma diversa da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Siamo fuori di testa ma diversi da loro
Noi siamo diversi da loro
English translation
They don’t know what I’m talking about
Clothes are dirty, bro, of mud
Cig’s yellow in between the fingers
I’m walking with a cig
Pardon me, but I really do believe
That I can make this jump
And even if the street is uphill
I’m training for this now
And good evening, ladies and gentlemen
Bring out the actors
You better hold on to your balls
You better keep quiet and be good
People here are weird, like drug dealers
I’ve been locked out too many nights
Now I’m gonna kick the doorways
Lookin’ up like a climber
So sorry mum if I’m always out, but
I am out of my mind, but I’m not like the others
And you are out of your mind, but you’re not like the others
We are out of our minds, but we’re not like the others
We are out of our minds, but we’re not like the others
I’ve written pages and pages
I’ve seen salt, then tears
These men in the car
Don’t climb the rapids
I’ve written on a tombstone
In my house there’s no God
But if you find the meaning of time
You will rise from your oblivion
And no wind can stop
The natural power
From the right point of view
You feel the thrill of the wind
With wax wings on your back
I’ll go look for that altitude
If you wanna stop me try again
Try cutting my head off
Because
I’m out of my mind but different from them
And you’re out of your mind but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
Unfortunately people talk
They talk, they don’t know what they’re talking about
Take me where I float
Cause I lack air here
Unfortunately people talk
They talk, they don’t know what they’re talking about
Take me where I float
Cause I lack air here
Unfortunately people talk
They talk, they don’t know what the fuck they’re talking about
Take me where I float
Cause I lack air here
But I’m out of my mind but different from them
And you’re out of your mind but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re out of our minds but different from them
We’re different from them
Valentina is a travel writer in love with her country. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. You can follow her adventures around Italy on her blog myitaliandiaries.com
Valentina Nicastro is a travel writer in love with her home country, Italy. Having travelled widely around the globe, she realised there was more to explore closer to home and decided to put the passport aside for a while. When she is not immersed in documenting Italy, you’ll find her donning her communication consultant hat, weaving words as a content writer and bridging linguistic divides as a translator.
