Beve' Beve' Compare

Gigliola Cinquetti's song 'Beve' Beve' Compare' is a lively celebration of the age-old tradition of drinking wine. The lyrics are a playful and spirited ode to the joys of wine, contrasting it with water, which is humorously deemed harmful. The song opens with a jovial threat to drink all the wine rather than face any harm, setting a light-hearted tone that continues throughout. The repetitive chorus, 'labum-ba-ba,' adds to the festive atmosphere, encouraging listeners to join in the merriment.

The song delves into the cultural significance of wine, highlighting how it has been a part of family traditions for generations. The lyrics ask rhetorically if the ancestors drank, affirming that both fathers and mothers indulged in wine. This connection to heritage is emphasized by the repeated lines, 'E noi che figli siamo beviam, beviam beviamo,' which translates to 'And we, their children, drink, drink, drink.' This not only underscores the continuity of tradition but also celebrates the communal aspect of drinking, where wine serves as a social glue that binds generations together.

Cinquetti also mentions specific types of wine, such as 'bianco Moscatello' and 'nero Marzemin,' adding a touch of regional pride and specificity to the song. The desire to see the end of a barrel of wine ('Se ne avessi un botticello ne vorrei veder la fin') further illustrates the joy and satisfaction derived from this age-old practice. The song, with its upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics, serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of maintaining cultural traditions.