These two songs are about the massive amounts of emigration that was widespread in Italy. In some cases, even entire towns would move to America for better opportunity. The first song, Mamma Mia Dammi Cento Lire, is about a girl asking her mother to give her 100 lire (the currency in Italy at the time that the song was being sung) so that she can go to America. The second song that we mixed with it is called, Io Parto Per L’America [I’m going to America], and is a story of someone that is saying goodbye to Italy because they are moving away. The song ends with a recapitulation of the original melody, but this time it is a little bit darker because the “warning” of the Mamma from the beginning (that if her daughter tries to go to America, her boat will sink) came true.
If you like this music, please subscribe to our channel!
You can find out more about our mission and where we are playing here:
Dan Bruce - Guitar
Amanda Powell - Vocals
Anthony Taddeo - D