Nino Rota - La Luna Mezzo 'o Mare

Nino Rota's 'La Luna Mezzo 'o Mare' is a traditional Sicilian folk song that humorously explores the anxieties and considerations surrounding marriage. The song is structured around a dialogue between a mother and her daughter, with the daughter expressing her need to get married and the mother contemplating various suitors. Each verse introduces a different potential husband, such as a butcher, a fisherman, a shoemaker, and a gardener, each accompanied by playful and suggestive metaphors related to their professions.

The recurring line 'E la luna mezzo 'o mare' (And the moon is in the middle of the sea) sets a whimsical and almost surreal tone, suggesting that the daughter's marital prospects are as vast and mysterious as the sea under the moonlight. The mother's responses are filled with double entendres, using the tools and products of each suitor's trade to humorously hint at the potential outcomes of the marriage. For instance, the butcher 'always holds the sausage in his hand,' and the gardener 'always holds the cucumber,' both of which carry obvious sexual innuendos.

This song is a reflection of the cultural and social norms of the time, where marriage was a significant concern, and the choice of a husband was often left to the parents. The playful nature of the lyrics also highlights the importance of humor and wit in Sicilian culture. Nino Rota, known for his work in film scores, brings this traditional melody to life, capturing the essence of Sicilian folk music with its lively and engaging rhythm. The song's enduring popularity speaks to its universal themes of love, marriage, and the humorous side of human relationships.