Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Angela Gheorghiu/London Symphony Orchestra/Antonio Pappano Lyrics


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O mio babbino caro
Mi piace è bello, bello
Vo'andare in Porta Rossa
A comperar l'anello
Sì, sì, ci voglio andare
E se l'amassi indarno
Andrei sul Ponte Vecchio
Ma per buttarmi in Arno
Mi struggo e mi tormento
O Dio, vorrei morir




Babbo, pietà, pietà
Babbo, pietà, pietà

Overall Meaning

The song "O mio babbino caro" is an aria from the opera Gianni Schicchi, composed by Giacomo Puccini in 1918. It is sung by the character Lauretta, who is begging her father to allow her to marry the man she loves. The lyrics express her desire to go to the Porta Rossa ("red door") to buy the engagement ring, and her willingness to die if her love is not reciprocated. She is desperate and pleading for her father's "pietà" or mercy, hoping he will understand and grant her wish.


The melody of the aria is simple and elegant, perfectly capturing the emotions of Lauretta. It is a beautiful love song that has become one of Puccini's most popular works, often performed in concert halls and featured in films and TV shows. The arrangement by Angela Gheorghiu, London Symphony Orchestra, and Antonio Pappano is particularly stunning, showcasing Gheorghiu's exquisite voice and the orchestra's mastery of the piece.


Line by Line Meaning

O mio babbino caro
Oh my dear father


Mi piace è bello, bello
I like him, he's handsome, handsome


Vo'andare in Porta Rossa
I want to go to Porta Rossa


A comperar l'anello
To buy the ring


Sì, sì, ci voglio andare
Yes, yes, I want to go there


E se l'amassi indarno
And if my love is in vain


Andrei sul Ponte Vecchio
I would go to Ponte Vecchio


Ma per buttarmi in Arno
But to throw myself in the Arno


Mi struggo e mi tormento
I am anguished and tormented


O Dio, vorrei morir
Oh God, I'd like to die


Babbo, pietà, pietà
Father, have mercy, have mercy


Babbo, pietà, pietà
Father, have mercy, have mercy




Lyrics © DistroKid, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BRIAN J. CULBERTSON, MICHELLE CULBERTSON, GIOVACCHINO FORZANO, GIACOMO PUCCINI, Gerard Salesses, Giacomo Puccini (DP), Olivier Toussaint

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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