Born in Meda, he debuted as singer in the late 1950s for CGD label. In 1958 he won the Sanremo Festival in duo with Domenico Modugno, with the songs "Nel blu dipinto di blu" ("Volare") and "Piove" ("Ciao ciao bambina"). "L'immensità" of 1967 is also a Dorelli's success at Sanremo.
His greatest success was the Musical Aggiungi un posto a tavola, which was also performed at the Adelphi Theatre in London's West End in an English version entitled Beyond the Rainbow in 1978.
After a period of absence, he returned to success in the 1980s. In 1983, he played St. Philip Neri in Luigi Magni's TV film State buoni se potete. Dorelli's latest feature film role is in Pupi Avati's Ma quando arrivano le ragazze (2004).
After a marriage to Catherine Spaak, he is currently married to Gloria Guida, a former actress.
Roma non far la stupida stasera
Johnny Dorelli Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Damme 'na mano a faie di de sì
Scegli tutte le stelle
Più brillarelle che puoi
E un friccico de luna tutta pe′ noi
Faje senti' ch'è quasi primavera
Manna li mejo grilli pe′ fa′ cri cri
Più malandrino che c'hai
Roma regime er moccolo stasera
Scegli tutte le stelle
Più brillarelle che puoi
E un friccico de luna tutta pe′ noi
Faje senti' ch′è quasi primavera
Manna li mejo grilli pe' fa′ cri cri
Prestame er ponentino
Più malandrino che c'hai
Roma regime er moccolo stasera
The lyrics to Johnny Dorelli's song "Roma non far la stupida stasera" (Rome, don't act foolish tonight) capture the spirit of a romantic evening in the Italian capital city. The singer implores Rome to be on its best behavior so that he can enjoy the company of his lover. He asks for a little help, a hand to say yes, so that they can choose the brightest stars and a sliver of moon just for themselves. The song conjures up the image of a warm spring evening, with the sound of crickets and a cool breeze blowing through the streets. The singer also asks for assistance from the western wind, the most mischievous one they have, to help him set the mood for the night.
The lyrics are a love letter to the city of Rome, and its romantic and suggestive atmosphere that lends itself to a perfect evening for two lovers. The song seems to suggest that Rome itself, as a living entity, can help in creating an unforgettable night of love and passion. The message of the song is that nature, city, and one's emotions can all come together to create a perfect moment in time.
Interesting facts about "Roma non far la stupida stasera":
Line by Line Meaning
Roma nun fa′ la stupida stasera
Rome, don't be stupid tonight
Damme 'na mano a faie di de sì
Give me a hand to say yes
Scegli tutte le stelle
Choose all the stars
Più brillarelle che puoi
As bright as you can
E un friccico de luna tutta pe′ noi
And a sliver of moon for us
Faje senti' ch'è quasi primavera
Make it feel like it's almost spring
Manna li mejo grilli pe′ fa′ cri cri
Send the best crickets to chirp
Prestame er ponentino
Lend me the west wind
Più malandrino che c'hai
As rogue as you have
Roma regime er moccolo stasera
Tonight, Rome will reign
Scegli tutte le stelle
Choose all the stars
Più brillarelle che puoi
As bright as you can
E un friccico de luna tutta pe′ noi
And a sliver of moon for us
Faje senti' ch′è quasi primavera
Make it feel like it's almost spring
Manna li mejo grilli pe′ fa′ cri cri
Send the best crickets to chirp
Prestame er ponentino
Lend me the west wind
Più malandrino che c'hai
As rogue as you have
Roma regime er moccolo stasera
Tonight, Rome will reign
Writer(s): Garinei Pietro, Giovannini Alessandro, Trovaioli Armando
Contributed by Elena R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.