Learning Italian through music is a great way to pick up the language. In this group of videos we will look at a song called L’Italiano by Toto Cutugno, a very classic and iconic Italian song. This song has become an unofficial national anthem of Italy as it depicts pride in being Italian. It is a song that is very popular and sung often when referring to the national soccer team when they are playing during the World Cup tournament.
We will interpret the meaning and listen to how the lyrics are pronounced.
FIRST VIDEO
Larry: So let’s get started, so we have Patti first taking four lines.
Patti: Ok! “Lasciatemi cantare, Con la chitarra in mano, Lasciatemi cantare, Sono un italiano”
Larry: Alright, let’s hear what he said…Go the YouTube video. Do you see the YouTube video?
Patti: Uh-uh
(video plays)
Larry: Alright, so he said: “Lasciatemi cantare”…”Lasciatemi cantare”. “Lasciatemi”. Translate Patti, “Lasciatemi”.
Patti: Oh, “let me”.
Larry: Yes, “let me”. “Con la chitarra in mano”
Patti: “With my guitar in hand”.
Larry: Uh-uh,“Lasciatemi cantare”.
Patti: Same thing, “Let me sing”
Larry: Yeah.
Patti: “I am Italian”.
Larry: “I am Italian”. “Sono un italiano”.
Larry: Alright. So now Tony you’re up. Why don’t you read these four lines?
Tony: Sure! “Buongiorno Italia, gli spaghetti al dente, E un partigiano come presidente, Con l’autoradio sempre nella mano destra, Un canario sopra la finestra”.
Larry: Alright, let’s hear what he said.
(video plays)
Larry: Alright, so he said: “Buongiorno Italia, gli spaghetti al dente”, so we’ve got that “gli” “gli spaghetti al dente, E un partigiano come presidente, Con l’autoradio…autoradio sempre nella mano destra, Un canarino sopra la finestra”. What do you think the song means, Tony?
Tony: So, he’s saying: “Good day Italy, Spaghetti al dente” (you know what al dente is), “the president is partisan” …
Larry: Yeah
Tony: “With the radio always in my hand, And a canary under the window”.
Larry: Canary on the window, right.
Tony: On the window.
Larry: And that’s the right hand: “With my car radio…”
Tony: And that’s right hand, ok.
Larry: Yes. Perfect!