Alain Lombard 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 è 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

"Nessun dorma" is a powerful aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot". It is sung by the character Calaf, who is a prince attempting to win the heart of the cold and unyielding Princess Turandot. In the song, Calaf expresses his love for Turandot, but also his frustration in the secrecy and mystery that surrounds his identity. He promises that he will reveal his name to Turandot only after he has won her heart, and he is confident that he will be victorious. The final words of the song, "Vincerò! Vincerò!" ("I will win! I will win!"), are a triumphant declaration of Calaf's determination and love.

The first four lines of the song are directed towards Turandot, with Calaf addressing her as "o Principessa" and describing her "cold room" where she looks at the trembling stars with hope and love. Calaf then reveals his own mystery, stating that his name will not be known by anyone, unless she reveals it. He then promises to reveal his name to her only when he has accomplished his ultimate goal of winning her heart. This promise is sealed with a kiss, which Calaf believes will break the silence that exists between them.

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
You look at the stars

Che tremano d'amore e di speranza
That tremble with love and hope

Ma il mio mistero è chiuso in me
But my mystery is locked 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 lips

Quando la luce splenderà
When the light shines

Ed il mio bacio scioglierà il silenzio
And my kiss will break the silence

Che ti fa mia
That makes you mine