Lacreme Napulitane

“Lacreme Napulitane” by Canzoni Napoletane is a poignant song that delves into the emotional turmoil experienced by Neapolitan emigrants in America. The lyrics are a heartfelt letter from a son to his mother, expressing the deep sorrow and longing that comes with being far from home, especially during the holiday season. The song captures the essence of homesickness and the pain of separation from loved ones, a common theme for many who left their homeland in search of a better life.

The song opens with the son lamenting the approach of Christmas, a time that amplifies his feelings of isolation and sadness. He yearns for the simple joys of home, like lighting candles and hearing the traditional zampognaro (bagpiper). The imagery of the nativity scene and the empty plate at the dinner table symbolizes his absence and the void it creates in the family. This vivid portrayal of holiday traditions highlights the cultural and emotional disconnect felt by emigrants.

As the song progresses, the son reflects on the sacrifices made for financial gain, which seem insignificant compared to the emotional cost of leaving one's homeland. Despite having some money, he feels more impoverished than ever, haunted by dreams of his home and the voices of his children. The reference to his mother as a “Maria” with a sword in her heart, standing before her crucified son, underscores the profound suffering and sacrifice involved in emigration. The song concludes with a resigned acceptance of his fate as an emigrant, acknowledging the tears and hardships that come with life in America.

“Lacreme Napulitane” is a powerful testament to the emotional struggles of emigrants, capturing the essence of their longing, sacrifice, and the bittersweet reality of pursuing a better life far from home.