O mio Babbino Caro
Carmen Monarcha Lyrics
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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
Mi struggo e mi tormento!
O Dio, vorrei morir!
Babbo, pietà, pieeeeeetà!
Babbo, pietà, pietàaa...
The lyrics to Carmen Monarcha's song, O mio babbino caro, depict the story of a young woman who is in love and wants to marry. She expresses her desire to go to Porta Rossa to buy an engagement ring, emphasizing the beauty of the city which captures her imagination. She is determined to pursue her love and, if she were to be rejected, she would go to the Ponte Vecchio and throw herself into the Arno river in despair.
The lyrics convey an intense emotional turmoil of the woman who feels consumed by her love and would do anything to be with her lover. She is willing to risk everything, including her life, to be with the one she loves. She is tormented by inner conflicts and fear of rejection but shows bravery by expressing her love openly. The reference to the famous Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River in Florence adds to the romantic imagery of the song.
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 into the Arno!
Mi struggo e mi tormento!
I am in agony and torment!
O Dio, vorrei morir!
Oh God, I wish to die!
Babbo, pietà, pieeeeeetà!
Father, have pity, have piiiity!
Babbo, pietà, pietàaa...
Father, have pity, have piiiity...
Contributed by Adrian C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.