Guaglione

Aurelio Fierro's song 'Guaglione' is a heartfelt portrayal of youthful innocence and the emotional turbulence that often accompanies first love. The term 'guaglione' is a Neapolitan word for 'boy,' and the song addresses a young boy who is deeply infatuated, to the point where he can neither eat nor sleep. The lyrics are filled with advice and gentle admonishments, urging the boy to return to his carefree childhood instead of being consumed by his feelings of jealousy and longing.

The song's narrative is rich with cultural references, particularly the traditional Italian family structure. The boy is advised to run back to his mother ('Curre 'mbraccio addu mammà') and tell her the truth, as she will understand and comfort him. This reflects the strong familial bonds and the role of the mother as a source of emotional support in Italian culture. The repeated advice to 'go play football' and 'not to cry' underscores the idea that the boy is too young to be burdened by such intense emotions and should instead enjoy his youth.

Metaphorically, the song uses the imagery of the boy standing under a balcony ('sott'a stu barcone') to symbolize his longing and unfulfilled desires. The balcony, a common element in Italian romantic literature and music, represents a barrier between the boy and his object of affection. The song's tone is both tender and slightly humorous, as it gently mocks the boy's dramatic behavior while also empathizing with his plight. Ultimately, 'Guaglione' is a charming reminder of the innocence of youth and the universal experience of first love, capturing the bittersweet nature of growing up.