It Started In Naples

Ten years ago today Renato Carosone died.  At least he lived long enough to see Matt Damon and Jude Law sing "Tu vuò fà l'americano" in The Talented Mr. Ripley.



It sounds just fine in Italian, but if you want to know what the complete lyric means:

You're wearing trousers with a tag on the back
and a cap with the visor turned up,
parading around Tuleto
like a lady's man trying to be seen

You're acting all American,
American, American,
listen here: who's asking you to?

You want to be all trendy,
but if you drink "whisky and soda"
you always end up sick!

You're dancing rock and roll,
and playing baseball,
but where'd you get the money
for the Camel cigarettes?
Mummy's handbag!

You're acting all American,
American, American,
but you're born in Italy, listen here:
there's nothing you can do,
ok Napoletano?!
You're acting all American,
American, American,

How can your loved one understand
if you're speaking half American?
When you're out loving under the moon,
where do you get a phrase like "I love you"?

You're acting all American,
American, American,
but you're born in Italy, listen here:
there's nothing you can do,
ok Napoletano?!
You're acting all American,
American, American,
...whisky soda rock and roll