The chorus, the most famous part of the lyrics, explains the theme of the song: “Tu vuò fa l’americano! Mmericano! Mmericano/ siente a me, chi t’ ho fa fa?/ Tu vuoi vivere alla moda/ ma se bevi whisky and soda/ po’ te sente ‘e disturbà,” followed by, “Tu abballe ‘o rock’en rol/ tu giochi al basebal/ ma ‘e solde pe’ Camel/ chi te li da?./ La borsetta di mammà!” The meaning is obvious: “(You guys) want to do the American,” “drink whisky and soda,” “dance rock ‘n roll,” “play baseball,” but the “money for your Camels still comes from your mom’s bag!” The word “scampanellando” literally means “tinkling” but actually refers to “making noise to draw attention.” As we can see, Neapolitan is very melodic, and we can hear the musicality of such words as “cuppulella” and “scampanianno,” as well as a melodramatic inflection that renders comprehension difficult for non-Italians, although it is also very evocative and picturesque. ![]() ![]() The lyrics are quite simple, describing young guys in Napoli imitating American styles and poses: “Puorte o cazone cu ‘nu stemma arreto/ ‘na cuppulella cu ‘a visiera alzata./ Passe scampanianno pe’ Tuleto/ came a ‘nu guappo pe’ te fa guarda!” (In standard Italian, “ Porti dei calzone con uno stemma sul retro/ un cappellino con la visiera alzata/ Passi scampanellando per via Toledo come uno sbruffone per farti guardae”). "Since being released, it has brought Neapolitan music (and language) to the attention of Italy." The song is a critique of American culture’s penetration into Italian traditions and customs during the 50s, even though, paradoxically, it is built on the American rhythms of jazz swing! It became a classic and, since being released, has brought Neapolitan music (and language) to the attention of Italy. ![]() “ Tu vuò fa l’americano” is a song written by famous Neapolitan artist Renato Carosone in 1956.
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