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Texts of the Neapolitan songs

Luna nova


Museca: Pasquale Mario Costa,

Vierze: Salvatore Di Giacomo.

Anno: 1887

New moon


Music: Pasquale Mario Costa,

Lyrics: Salvatore Di Giacomo.

Year: 1887


La luna nova 'ncopp'a lu mare
Stenne 'na fascia d'argiento fino.
Dint'a la varca lu marenaro
Quase s'addorme cu 'a rezza 'nzino.

Nun durmì, scetate, oje marenà,
Votta 'sta rezza, penza a vucà!

Dorme e suspira 'stu marenaro,
Se sta sunnanno la 'nnammurata.
Zitto e cujeto se sta lu mare,
Pure la luna se nc'è 'ncantata.

Luna d'argiento, lass' 'o sunnà,
Vasalo 'nfronte, nun 'o scetà!

Comm'a 'nu suonno de marenare,
Tu duorme, Napule, viata a te!
Duorme ma, 'nzuonno, llacreme amare,
Tu chiagne, Napule, scetate, scè!

Puozze 'na vota resuscità.
Scetate, scè, Napule, Nà!

translated by Natalia Chernega


The new moon on the sea
Draws a silver strip.
In the boat the seaman
Has almost fallen asleep with the net in hand.

Don't sleep, wake up, oh, seaman,
Throw the net, think of the oar!

But this seaman sleeps and sighs
Dreaming about her beloved.
The sea is quiet and calm,
Even the moon is spellbound.

Silver moon, let him sleep,
Kiss him in forehead, don't wake him!

Like seamen are asleep
Also you sleep, Naples, blissful!
Sleep, but in dream by bitter tears
You cry, Naples, wake up!

One day you'll be able to be resurrected.
Wake up, Naples, wake up!

translated by Natalia Chernega