Che La Luna

Louis Prima's 'Che La Luna' is a delightful and playful song that captures the essence of Italian-American culture with its lively rhythm and humorous lyrics. The song opens with a picturesque scene of the moon shining over the sea, setting a romantic and whimsical tone. The lyrics, sung in a mix of Italian and English, revolve around a young woman and her mother discussing potential suitors. The mother is concerned about finding the right match for her daughter, and the song humorously explores the characteristics of different suitors, such as a fisherman, a baker, and a musician.

The fisherman is depicted as someone who is always busy with his work, holding a piece of salted cod (baccalà) in his hands. This imagery suggests a hardworking but perhaps unromantic life. The baker, on the other hand, is seen with a cannoli, a traditional Italian pastry, symbolizing sweetness and a more domestic life. The musician, with his trumpet, represents a life filled with music and perhaps unpredictability, as he is always coming and going with his band.

The repetitive 'Ohh mamma' and 'la la la' refrains add a catchy and light-hearted feel to the song, making it easy to sing along. Louis Prima's energetic performance and the playful lyrics create a vivid picture of a traditional Italian family dynamic, where the mother plays a crucial role in guiding her daughter's future. The song is a celebration of cultural heritage, family bonds, and the humorous side of life's everyday decisions, all set against the backdrop of a moonlit night by the sea.