O mio Babbino Caro
Sarah Brightman and The London Symphony Orchestra 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 invano
Andrei sul Ponte Vecchio
Ma per buttarmi in Arno
O Dio, vorrei morir
Babbo, pietà, pietà
Babbo, pietà, pietà
The lyrics to Sarah Brightman's rendition of "O Mio Babbino Caro" tell the story of a young woman who longs for her father's approval and permission to marry the man she loves. She sings, "Oh my dear daddy, I like him so much, I want to go to Porta Rossa to buy the ring. Yes, yes, I want to go there, and if my love were in vain, I would go to Ponte Vecchio and throw myself into the Arno. I am dying, I am tormented, oh God, I want to die. Father, have mercy, have mercy." The song speaks to the universal experience of young people seeking the approval of their parents and the pain they feel when that approval is denied.
The use of the Italian language adds to the emotional intensity of the song, as the melody is expressive and mournful, evoking feelings of anguish and desperation. Brightman's rendition is particularly haunting and powerful, with her soaring soprano voice adding a sense of urgency and yearning to the lyrics. In all, "O Mio Babbino Caro" is a beautiful, moving tribute to the power of love and the lengths people will go to in order to be together.
Line by Line Meaning
O mio babbino caro
Oh my dear father
Mi piace è bello, bello
I am in love and it is beautiful, beautiful
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 invano
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 in the Arno
Mi struggo e mi tormento
I am tormented and I suffer
O Dio, vorrei morir
Oh God, I wish to die
Babbo, pietà, pietà
Father, have pity, have pity
Babbo, pietà, pietà
Father, have pity, have pity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: GIOVACCHINO FORZANO, GIACOMO ANTONIO PUCCINI, FRANK PETERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind