Santa Lucia

The song 'Santa Lucia' is a traditional Neapolitan song that has been covered by various artists, including the renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. The lyrics of the song paint a serene and picturesque scene of the sea at night, with the silver moon shining above and a gentle breeze filling the sails of a boat. The song invites listeners to come aboard the 'agile little boat' and leave their troubles behind as they sail towards the tranquil harbor of Santa Lucia.

The repeated invocation of 'Santa Lucia' throughout the song suggests a reverence for the place or perhaps the saint herself, who is the patroness of the blind and of light. The song's melody and Bocelli's operatic style lend a sense of timelessness and romance to the lyrics, evoking the beauty of Naples and the sea. The mention of 'O dolce Napoli, O suol beato' (Oh sweet Naples, Oh blessed soil) highlights the cultural pride and the natural beauty of the region, which is said to have been smiled upon by creation itself.

The song's themes revolve around the idea of escape and the soothing power of nature. It speaks to the sailor's longing for a respite from life's hardships ('Scordar fa I triboli al marinaio') and the universal desire for peace and harmony ('Tu sei l'impero dell'armonia'). The gentle urging to join the voyage ('Or che tardate? Bella è la sera') is an invitation to experience the enchantment of the evening and the allure of the sea, which has the power to calm the soul and bring joy ('E va gridando con allegria').