La Mamma Di Rosina
I Girasoli
The Protective Mother and Forbidden Love in 'La Mamma Di Rosina'
The song 'La Mamma Di Rosina' by I Girasoli tells a vivid story of a young woman named Rosina and her overprotective mother. The lyrics paint a picture of a mother who is extremely jealous and protective, to the point where she doesn't even allow Rosina to fetch water. This overprotection is symbolized by the repeated phrase 'bim bum bam, ciapa al coltel, taia zo el salam,' which adds a rhythmic, almost nursery rhyme-like quality to the song, contrasting with the serious nature of the mother's jealousy.
Rosina's story takes a turn when she decides to go to the mill early one morning. Here, she encounters the miller, who is initially asleep. The miller wakes up and, in a somewhat flirtatious manner, offers to grind her flour. This interaction quickly becomes more intimate, as the miller embraces and kisses Rosina. The lyrics 'se la stringeva al petto e la baciava' highlight this moment of forbidden love, which is both tender and fraught with danger.
The song reaches a climax when Rosina warns the miller to stop, mentioning her six brothers who would kill him if they found out. This adds a layer of tension and danger to the narrative, emphasizing the strict and protective environment in which Rosina lives. The repetition of the mother's jealousy at the end of the song reinforces the theme of overprotection and the consequences of stepping outside the boundaries set by family. The song, with its blend of playful and serious tones, captures the complexities of young love and familial control in a traditional setting.