Nessun Dorma
Compagnia d'Opera Italiana Orchestra Lyrics

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Nessun dorma!
Nessun dorma!
Tu pure, o principessa
Nella tua fredda stanza
Guardi le stelle che tremano
D'amore e di speranza!

Ma il mio mistero e chiuso in me

Il nome mio nessun saprà!
No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò
Quando la luce splenderà!
Ed il mio bacio scioglierà
Il silenzio che ti fa mia!

Il nome suo nessun saprà
E noi dovrem, ahimè! morir! morir!

Dilegua, o notte!
Tramontate, stelle!
Tramontate, stelle!
All'alba vincerò!

Vincerò!
Vincerò!

Overall Meaning

The song "Nessun Dorma" from the opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini is a powerful aria that tells the story of Calaf, the Prince of Tartary, who has fallen in love with the cold and distant Princess Turandot. The lyrics translate to "None shall sleep! None shall sleep! ... You too, oh Princess, in your cold room, gaze at the stars which tremble with love and hope."

Calaf sings of his mystery and how his name will remain unknown. He proclaims that he will tell Turandot his name when the light shines and his kiss will break the silence that makes her his. However, Calaf knows this will lead to his death, but he is willing to take the risk for love. The song ends triumphantly with Calaf declaring that he will win and the night and stars will fade away.

Line by Line Meaning

Nessun dorma!
No one shall sleep!

Tu pure, o principessa
You too, oh princess,

Nella tua fredda stanza
In your cold room,

Guardi le stelle che tremano
You watch the stars that tremble

D'amore e di speranza!
With love and hope!

Ma il mio mistero e chiuso in me
But my secret is hidden within me,

Il nome mio nessun saprà!
No one will know my name!

No, no, sulla tua bocca lo dirò
No, no, I will tell it on your mouth

Quando la luce splenderà!
When the light will shine!

Ed il mio bacio scioglierà
And my kiss will dissolve

Il silenzio che ti fa mia!
The silence that makes you mine!