Nessun Dorma
Russell Watson [Tenor] Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Così comanda Turandot
Questa notte nessun dorma in Pechino!
Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma!
Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma!
Tu pure, o Principessa
Nella tua fredda stanza
Guardi le stelle che tremano
Dall'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!

ll nome suo nessun saprà
E noi dovrem, ahimè! Morir! Morir!

Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle!

Tramontate, stelle! All'alba vincerò!
Vincerà! Vincerò!

Overall Meaning

The above lyrics are from the song Nessun Dorma by Russell Watson, which is an Italian aria from the opera Turandot by Giacomo Puccini. The song is featured in the final act of the opera where Prince Calaf sings of his love for Turandot, the cold-hearted princess who has vowed to marry no man unless he can solve three riddles. The prince successfully solves the riddles and wins the heart of the princess, but she refuses to marry him. In the above lyrics, the prince declares that no one will sleep in Beijing that night as he desperately professes his love for Turandot. He goes on to say that his name will remain a mystery, but he will reveal it once the light shines and his kiss will break the silence that keeps Turandot from him. He ends the song with the triumphant declaration that he will win at dawn.

Line by Line Meaning

Così comanda Turandot
Thus commands Turandot.

Questa notte nessun dorma in Pechino!
Tonight, no one sleeps in Beijing!

Nessun dorma! Nessun dorma!
No one sleeps! No one sleeps!

Tu pure, o Principessa
You too, oh Princess.

Nella tua fredda stanza
In your cold chamber.

Guardi le stelle che tremano
You watch the trembling stars.

Dall'amore e di speranza!
Filled with love and hope!

Ma il mio mistero e 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'll say it on your lips.

Quando la luce splenderà!
When the light shines!

Ed il mio bacio scioglierà
And my kiss will melt away

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

Il nome suo nessun saprà
No one will know his name

E noi dovrem, ahimè! Morir! Morir!
And we must, alas! Die! Die!

Dilegua, o notte! Tramontate, stelle!
Disappear, oh night! Set, stars!

Tramontate, stelle! All'alba vincerò!
Set, stars! At dawn I will win!

Vincerà! Vincerò!
I will win! I will win!

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GIACOMO PUCCINI, GIUSEPPE ADAMI, RENATO SIMONI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@tman5634

3y↑14

One of the most perfectly controlled versions of the song, ever sung.
Such an amazing voice & humble individual.

Well done Russel Watson

@jamesobrien704

The voice is suspect. It's more of an amazing sound system and echo chamber.

@SilverSteveDetecting

3y↑46

I'm a celeb brought me here to remember this guy, such an amazing talent!

@thomasmartyn65

3y↑1

Not to people who actually know opera singing

@SilverSteveDetecting

3y↑1

@Ann inGG Yes, remember. This guy was basically forgotten.

@yeahCAZ

3y↑179

Whos here after his Im a Celeb announcement

@baileyrobbie5255

3y↑1

😂😂guilty

@leoniecann5957

3y↑1

Yep, though i have been a fan for years

@Jordan-ze6lq

3y↑2

Can't believe he's in it!

@leslieoleary1422

Me 😁

@swindonlad87

I never heard of him tbh before I’m a celeb. But he has some voice on him. Pavarotti last performance. That was make your spine tingle 👌🏻

13 More Replies...

@a.walters123

1y↑2

The entire audience had to be moved to tears after this extraordinary, incredible performance. This brings me to tears, every. single. time. Even decades later.

@jai1018

3y↑53

POV: you’re here after I’m a celeb...

@a.walters123

1y↑2

This humble man, the son of a common factory worker from the UK, grew to become one of the most profound and moving singers in this genre, no training. Pure talent gifted from the heavens, undoubtedly.

@bakersmileyface

1y↑1

I just discovered him. Looks like he's touring around the UK this year too. Happy days! One more thing to go broke over

@Knightoftheorient

11y↑4

It was in reference to re-discovering his voice after being on deaths door with a brain tumour so PLEASE have some respect! His voice before he got ill was absolutely earth moving! Still considering having 2 spells of cancer I think this performance deserves a pat on the back.

@carlrossini8199

11y↑3

In my lifetime, Pavarotti is my favorite, but he, Domingo and and Bocelli were blessed with beautiful, rich instruments, were spot on in phrasing and intonation, and were able to communicate the message and mood of the music. Watson has the instrument, which is more than 99.9999% of us have, needs development on the remainder.

@machtnichtsseimann

Agree, completely! Those three are my favorites as well, with MUCH respect to Watson. I couldn't carry a tune like him...this was many years ago, but his cutting off of phrasing here and there in this video disappointed my ears and musical taste. Some of the passion was compromised, IMHO. Overall, still very good!

@1MogJon

I have to say that Jussi Bjorling beats them all in my book.

@raccuia1

10y↑6

This guy has the appearance of being someone in their final year of law at university. But then he opens his mouth and sings and mama miaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!! oh my gosh. What a voice.

@heathercook3874

4y↑5

Saw him sing this in front of 100,000 in Barcelona and ten days before over 60,000 in Manchester. Goosebumps from both performances and at the time he was a virtual unknown.

@MrJacksonRivers

12y

Are we all judges now? The man did his best and gave his all. What more can a man do?

@socorrohinojosa6387

4y↑3

I just love this guy. First time I heard him I liked him. He was singing Where the Heart Will Take Me, the theme song of Star Trek, the one with Scott Bakula. I went to Barnes and Noble to get a cd and I was hooked. Keep singing Russell Watson, I just love your voice and all the "popopera" songs. I have so many favorite songs now. Yes, I'm a Trekkie.

@linniesk8

12y↑3

I love this guy's voice. He is simply terrific. He sings many styles. This man has gone through he-- with brain tumors and went through rad. treatments, almost died. So glad he has come back . His voice is better now then when this video was made.

@lilofranze4084

21w

Wundervolle Stimme großer Opernsänger 🙏🇩🇪🙋‍♀️❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧

@singist

13y↑13

Russ is a Legend. Started out in the working mens clubs in my neck of the woods.

@GaryStephenJones

I heard it was The Railway Pub in Irlam which is about the be knocked down. Prefer the 94 Three Tenors Pavarotti version which is class. But Russ can certainly do it justice as well

@removalman82

14y↑15

I love this Guy from Lancashire. To my mind he is the greatest Tenor who ever lived. And thank god he Recovered from his Head problems, To perform again for us. Thanks from one Lancashire boy to another. TOM in Spain

@tracylucas9568

3y↑4

Yes me! Love Russel Watson! Excited he’s going to be on the show!

@JOSEtheHELPER

12y↑1

I have been going into opera for 25 years. It's is a very satisfying performance with a unique tone. He is cross-over artist, guys. A category judged by its entertainment value only. This meets that standard and has some thrilling moments. Anyone can get on youtube. No one is preventing better singers from posting their work here.

@YenneyRossi

5y↑2

Magnifico brano, voce e soprattutto la stupenda interpretazione ♥ Ti ringrazio veramente caro Russell Watson, per averlo condiviso ★ Complimenti e Applausi!! ♥ Un affettuoso saluto!!

@simonettaricci5852

♥️

@sandralabuschagne9442

3y↑2

Bravo! What a beautiful voice!

@Mirka_1505

8y↑7

Dziękuję! Thank You 😊
Beautiful voice, beautiful 😄

@chombersSOpA

Good work Russ, much appreciated

@Knightoftheorient

11y↑3

Firstly microphones are always used when a performance is being filmed so that the camera's can absorb the sound, if he wasn't being filmed he could quite easily perform without 1. And secondly before making judgement on his performance just remember that this guy has been thru 2 spells of life-threatening cancer and still come thru the other side to live to tell the tale and have that voice which is still so beautiful even if it may have lost some of it's power!

@grahamengineer4882

3y↑1

Such a wonderful and likable fellow, with a fantastic voice.

@aleezahali5460

3y↑3

I don't know why I suddenly started to cry!

@toma1511

12y↑11

A true voice in deed. What Russell has gone through in his life. Oh boy. Keep up the good work. God bless.

@OBaritono

11y↑3

Great voice! Bravissimo! God bless you!! Simply Sergio

@laulau5818

18w

Wow ! what a voice ! ❤

@moanahale9158

7y↑1

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert. Wish i could get my hands on it. one impressed gal here.

@mosplace3240

I was at the concert, and it was absolute magic :)

@lydiaaldea5000

10y↑2

He has a beautiful voice! Love the way he sings.

@geoffreypowell9220

Wonderful Just Wonderful Wonderful..Keep Well Russel God bless you.. Geoffrey and Jenny.. Love you..Age 76 would love you to be our grandson.. xxxxxxxxxx

@Rickcontifrese

I so wish I could have had the opportunity to learn such a gift to sing as well as Russ. Thank goodness the acoustics in my bathroom shower are forgiving of my attempts to perform as such the professional as he. Bravo!

@2percent153

9y↑3

I love his voice, and man, is he gorgeous. :D

@rutwkin2me

11y

One of the good singer...of our time... tnx 4 sharing.....

@blusky6

3y↑28

Who’s here after his I’m a celeb exit....

@alexbarbosa1071

3y↑1

I can’t believe he was the best one.

@MatthewF174

Rather guilty

@rwlynch3468

Yep. Although I like his singing. Just haven't listened to it in years since moving out from parents house (it's my dad's favourite music type).

His singing on Im A Celeb brought back memories

@lilymae1239

Me lol , he did rlly well doeee.

@ProseSword

11y↑1

Loved this rendition. Very powerful, nice tone. Even rivals Pavarotti. Compared to Michael Bolton, Watson's Italian is so pure but he doesn't hold his notes as long. Bolton's baritone quality is very powerful too. BRAVO to all!

@Knightoftheorient

11y↑21

Yeah he was recovering from a brain tumour, so all that considered I think this was actually a damn decent effort lol :-) All the twats on here critisizing him I'd like to hear them sing this at all let alone to the level Russell did especially after a life-threatening illness.

@jennaluvhugs8252

👍🙂👏🏻

@bonniescali2478

7y↑1

Beautiful--you got it. Russell, It seems that you were anticipating the high notes at the ending, but you have them and they're magnificent. Make it all flow as one.

@lynnehackett8311

No anticipation. Pure talent. Was an Irish pub singer. Learned to control his voice as to not injure his vocal cords. Amazing in 1999 when we first heard of him.

@Knightoftheorient

11y↑1

There's nothing wrong with it except the ending, he pulls out of the big note at the climax because he can't sustain the power anymore with all his been thru so just try to show a little respect yeah! The fact that this guy is even still alive is a miracle let alone to still have the bravery to get up on stage and even sing a note let alone perform a credible version of an opera masterpiece!

@joannewilli2667

So beautiful

@simonettaricci5852

Mai sentito, mai visto, nulla di più bello!! ♥️

@Wellness1beauty

8y↑35

I don't care what training he had. I just adore his performance

@tennesseenightmare

10y

Well done..who cares if he is looking downward..or whatever..still sings better than us. To quote Wynonna Judd..
"What the world needs the most now, is love" peace to all!!

@waynestewart3232

30w

A lot of people don't realize that the vocal folds are at their most natural position when the jaw is below the horizontal line.

@kimwroblewski2516

11y

I have been a Watson fan for many years. Pavarotti and Domingo certainly have the technical aspect and the instrument to best Russell. I can still enjoy Russell's version and am deeply moved by it with the knowledge that due to the pituitary tumors in his brain discovered in 2006 and again in 2007 he may never have uttered a beautiful note again. Lighten up folks and peace be with you.

@mixmasta808

13y

I think people should stop comparing singers :P I think he did a fine job singing this song! hell he hasnt had professional training to sing, so i think he is great! to be able to do this!

@carolandjohnharris7405

4y↑1

Beautiful!

@lynnehackett8311

Love, absolutely love this talent.

@buffedtrainer1

13y

this dude is BRILLIANT!!!!!! give the guy some credit ..cannot believe some of the nasty posts on here. shame on you..this is raw-pure talent

@davidedwards3361

Listened to this several times in a row.
The question now is...Luciano WHO?

@Friendly1

11y↑1

so tender voice, just love it!!!

@user-eq7oj9hu7o

놀라워요! Amazing!

@plutao_pt

12y↑2

good voice , and we cannot forget that Mr. Watson was serious ill, and sing nessun dorma to him was quite an effort.

@timeandsilence1

13y↑1

I agree removalman82! The way he sings this song is so incredibly moving--and this, after he nearly died of some very serious brain aneurism surgery.

@kakikulaki

14y↑1

So... Adorable... LOVE IT so much

@223marcia

12y↑1

wow all the armchair critics , there is nothing wrong with this performance , the man has a great voice , and I can listen to him anytime

@stephenhunt5011

10y

Hi Cory
I Just read your comments.
Last night we saw Russell live in Cardiff singing with a live orchestra. I have to say,that this 'YouTube' video is very disappointing. It sounds like some one else. The voice sounds thin and slightly strained. However, you and. Russell Watson fans will be pleased to know that Russell is singing better than ever. Last night his rendition of this classic and others, brought the packed house to its feet amid rapturous applause and we were treated to a full encore. The concert finished with a sustained standing ovation. If I were Russell, I would have this video removed as it does not compare with his current powerful performance. I believe he is underrated as a singer and at the moment, he is at the peak of his powers. It was a concert I will remember and treasure for many years to come..

@houltj

10y

I first liked this from when Luciano Pavarotti did it which was used for the 1990 world cup in italy and since then its stuck and I think russel watson does a great verson of it and for yrs Ive wanted to see mr watson but missed out but now found out hes doing a date in my home city next yr am so getting a ticket.

@MrPinoydude

13y

what a voice and performance!!!

@fxgt8800

13y↑1

Amaizing :D

@nuriaforment1102

Bravo!! Bravísimooo!!!

@tiborsuveg9088

Fantasztikus hang.........

@wendyf3782

10y↑1

for the people who say bocelli has not got a voice get real .seen him more than once, the voice is to die for . he does not have a thin reedy voice get real please.

@tamolyn5141

9y↑2

+wendy f I think the problem is that most of the fans of the pop opera performers don't understand that having a good voice is not all that is required to be an opera singer. First off, a singer must have a voice that is actually suitable for singing opera. Then, he or she must go through many years of rigorous training to learn proper vocal technique, and that involves, in part, the ability to project the voice out over a large orchestra, and be heard by everyone in a big auditorium. Opera singers must also study stage movement, acting, foreign languages, and many other things. Bocelli's voice is pleasant, but it is not an opera voice, nor does he sing with good vocal technique. You think he has a large voice because he always sings with a microphone and other electronic enhancements. You might want to listen to him singing La donna e mobile from the opera Rigoletto here on YouTube at a recital at the Metropolitan Opera House. He got to sing there because he's a friend of the General Director of the Met, not because he's a great opera singer. He really does sound thin and reedy there because the Met has no sound system to amplify performers. His reviews for that performance were terrible. I would never suggest that you stop listening to him. I'm just saying that while he has a nice, pleasant voice, it is not an opera voice and it is not a powerful voice.

@lpperrone

wendy f Bocelli is super fantastic!!!

@Knightoftheorient

+Tam Olyn absolutely correct, Bocelli's voice has a pleasant and warm colour and his high notes are very good but he doesn't have the voice support or projection for a raw and non amplified performance on an opera stage, he is a very good Classical-Pop Tenor but that is it, personally I think Jonathan Antoine who was discovered on BGT is already stronger voiced then Bocelli and he's only 21 at time of writing, with a few more years of classical training he might (and this is still a big might) develop a full opera voice !

@tamolyn5141

Adam Knight Jonathan Antoine is going the popera route. He needs a great deal of training if he wants to be an opera singer. I've heard him try to sing without a microphone, and he has not developed the volume to sing unamplified, which an opera singer must do. Also his technique needs a lot of work. Tenors peak much younger than baritones or basses. Antoine needs that training now. He has some potential, but it will take much training and hard work to determine if he has what it takes to be an opera singer. Saying he's going to a music school, and then always taking time off to do popera concerts does not constitute serious training. I just listened to some recent videos, and he's pushing his voice way too hard. He's developed an unpleasant wobble in his vibrato too...probably related to forcing his voice, and perhaps other aspects of his technique. The voice has taken on a rough, harsh quality, and he's still not breathing properly or supporting the tone. This is not progress. This is not good. He's likely to damage his voice if he doesn't get the right training. That Llangollen Festival where he is/was going to preform is not a venue for serious opera singers. It's for all types of performers. The worst of the popera singers, Katherine Jenkins, was supposed to perform there too...in a dumbed down concert version of Carmen, where she just sings Carmen's arias. I repeat, this is not a venue for serious classical musicians.

@johnaberrynm

12y

I am always amazed that people will get into fights over a video or musician. Personally I like Russell Watson as well as Sarah Brightman, Andrea Bocelli and "OH MY GOD!!!" the East Village Opera Company and Bond. Classical Crossover is a viable and interesting musical genera which allows for exploration and in some cases, reinvention of the older music. I also love the older opera singers and the modern classic singers (Some now dead). If you don't like it don't listen. If you do then enjoy.

@evylissa

13y↑1

mammamia che voce!!!!!!!

@richardknapp8322

10y↑7

I love it! - that voice; its great when he's pounding those lyrics out and all you see are those very white teeth; like an angle with PIPES!

@suziesings

10y

Beautiful

@49mrjd

when pavarotti was younger he could blow the fucking lot away past and present

@Knightoftheorient

11y

Even at indoor venues they have to use mics if the performance is being filmed so that the sound wires in the camera's can adjust the sound so that it is broadcast at the appropriate level for TV viewers!

@suziesings

13y↑1

I followed you since you started. Brava! You and Pavarati are in a class all by yourselves! :)

@xxsaruman82xx87

What about Corelli?

@mrpowell4530

Pavarati ???

@KADIR030507

Beautiful...

@robertennis4705

absolutely fabulous performance of this song beutiful tuned perfect composia and no he's nothing like pavorroti which a gd thing as it's all about being ur self and making it own mask on any song just abbssoulutly fabulous and I'm speachlwss

@xxsaruman82xx87

Puccini is turning in his grave

@plutao_pt

12y

I rembember here Russel Watson was with cancer or somethng extreme, and sing the Bohemian Rahpsody of opera is a proof of talente, and above all courage ..... thank you russsel by ths preform

@gertmeister

11y

it's beautiful.

@fotismichail8112

11y

very good..

@princeadam2677

8y↑8

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful

@nealeade5268

considering the adversities this gentleman has overcome; I think this is pretty incredible.
Hear him sing with Jonathan Antoine (the young Pavarotti).Ave Maria

@littlenova1

Jonathan Antoine...now you're talking!!

@andy24536

12y↑2

Absolutely right, I have just tried to sing this and failed miserably... lol

@singist

13y

logicroxx..............I could not have put it better myself. Music is music, you can change / rearrange a song and it can be better than the original. Also modern artistes some classic swing era songs (i.e. Robbie Williams) suddenly all the young people are interested in that music. It can only be a good thing. I was in a rock band and the best crowd reaction we got was when we played Mack The Knife (penned in 1933)

@mikehorton6225

Bravo!

@jailjona

11y

So many internet critics!! The guy sang a song. Good on him!!!

@xxsaruman82xx87

He sang an aria, not a song, for a dramatic/spinto tenor. And he sings with a microphone.

@jokerclownman

11y

Yes. In fact I sasw that just a couple days ago I think. Where Simon says something along the lines of "Charlotte is bring you down, Jonathon"? That's talented kid right there.

@christian1000bla

10y

bloody hell...Russell keep o singing

@Knightoftheorient

11y

Exactly only a special set of circumstances in the right conditions and in a suitable venue can Opera singers get away with performing without a microphone!

@xxsaruman82xx87

Get away? It takes years of training to project your voice like that. But you're utterly wrong. Corelli could sing without a microphone wherever he wanted.

@johnclayton880

Bravo!!!!

@linniesk8

12y

Pavarotti met and liked Russell Watson. Also loved his voice. So, who are the experts in vocal talent, Pavarotti or the folks on here who are putting Watson's voice down? Hmmmmm?

@Diamond18116

12y

Watson voice is fantastic so clear and crispy. Why you guys are talking bad about him for no reasons? Do you have such powerful voice? Can you guys sing like any tenors? Do you know what powers and courage their should have in their voice to sing that song? Will any of you WHO WAS NAGGING on Watson come out and sing? Let's hear you people singing then we can judge if you sound like Watson or like a COW mooo in the meadows at night? I feel so shameful when one cannot sing but only CRITICIZE.

@iambluecow

13y

Bravo!!!!!!

@513mrg

13y↑1

Everyone should make it a point to understand that Russell has contributed to bring the opera to the mainstream and not to just a select audience. He is also not an Italian and you can't expect someone who is not familiar with the language to sound absolutely perfect. He has made a beautiful attempt which is admirable considering.

@PatrioticGlory

11y

Okay. I'll concede I haven't watched a full concert by him. I was responding to this particular song. If you're right, then it's nice to know. And thanks, I'll give him another chance.

@kfwahine

13y

Russell Watson is able to sing Nessun Dorma, CAN ANY OF YOU WHO ARE CRITISIZING HIM ??? I have listed to opera all my life and he is just himself, not trying to imitate anyone.

@joycesantiago9437

God bless him!

@daniiela201000

12y↑1

BEAUTIFUL :) my last name is Russel.. :)

@Knightoftheorient

11y

This I agree on, I don't know if you saw Jonathan & Charlotte on Britain's Got Talent this year but Jonathan already has a stronger voice then Russell and his only 17 because he holds his head up!

@MasterIsh91

12y↑1

Finally, someone with some common sense!

@ana45787

13y

Solo merecen la pena el coro y la orquesta...

@denisbirch104

6y↑6

Just Brilliant the Voice

@topspinll00

10y

wow! handsome

@Knightoftheorient

11y

I agree he probably sounds better singing classical stuff in English but I still think his 1 of the best English opera singers at attempting Italian, there's nothing wrong with his pronunciation at all it's just you can hear his English in his accent!