Comme Facette Mammeta

Evandro Oliva's song 'Comme Facette Mammeta' is a beautiful ode to the artistry and love involved in a mother's creation of her child. The lyrics are a poetic exploration of the ingredients and care that went into making someone so special. The song is sung in Neapolitan, a dialect of Italian, which adds a layer of cultural richness and authenticity to the piece.

The song begins by asking how the mother made such a beautiful person, using metaphors of mixing and crafting. The lyrics mention 'ciento rose 'ncappucciate' (a hundred roses wrapped) and 'latte, rose, rose e latte' (milk, roses, roses, and milk), suggesting that the person is made of the finest and most delicate elements. This imagery paints a picture of a mother meticulously selecting the best ingredients to create her child, emphasizing the care and love involved in the process.

As the song progresses, it delves into specific features like the beautiful mouth and golden braids. The mouth is described as being made from 'nu panaro chino, chino' (a basket full) of garden strawberries, apples, sugar, and cinnamon, highlighting the sweetness and allure of the person's smile. The golden braids are likened to a 'miniera sana sana' (a whole mine) of filigree, indicating their priceless and intricate nature. These descriptions not only celebrate the physical beauty of the person but also underscore the mother's effort and dedication in crafting such perfection.

The recurring line 'Nun c'è bisogno 'a zingara p'andiviná, cuncè' (There's no need for a fortune teller to guess, my dear) reinforces the idea that the speaker knows the person better than anyone else, attributing their beauty and qualities directly to the mother's love and skill. This line serves as a reminder of the deep bond and understanding between the speaker and the person being described, further emphasizing the theme of maternal love and creation.