Roma Forestiera [English translation]

What lovely times when in the neighborhood

the sound of a piano could still be heard,

guitar and mandolin accords,

and Nina appeared on the balcony.

It was a simple theme

that warmed the soul

of our Rome, full of goodness...

Nannarè!

Why, oh why have you fallen in love

with this American music?

Oh why have you forgotten that you're Roman

and don't sing our verses anymore?

Outside in a carozzella 1

to dance the tarantella 2

Nannarella, you don't come anymore...

with the flowers in the loggia 3with the lavender and the arugula...

Nannarella, isn't here anymore...

Once upon a time it was all that it was,

our poor Rome, a stranger!

Who do we serenade now,

my old guitar, friend of this heart?

The song of this tenor population

is a fabled harmony that's gone:

Today the babies sing

all their songs to rhythm

and Nina wants to be called "Nelly"

Nannarè! Why, oh why have you...

1. carriage2. a rapid whirling dance3. an open-sided extension to a building

• Artist:Gabriella Ferri