Come Facette Mammeta

Renzo Arbore's song 'Come Facette Mammeta' is a charming and poetic tribute to the beauty and uniqueness of a person, attributed to the loving craftsmanship of their mother. The lyrics are written in Neapolitan dialect, adding a layer of cultural richness and authenticity to the song. Arbore, known for his deep connection to Italian folk music and culture, uses this song to celebrate the intricate and loving process of creation, likening it to a recipe filled with the finest ingredients.

The song opens with the repeated question of how the mother made such a beautiful person, emphasizing the curiosity and admiration of the speaker. The imagery used is vivid and sensory, describing the mixing of 'ciento rose n'cappucciate' (a hundred roses) and 'latte e rose' (milk and roses) to create the person's beautiful flesh. This metaphorical language suggests that the person's beauty is a result of a delicate and thoughtful process, much like a carefully crafted recipe.

As the song progresses, Arbore continues to describe the creation of the person's features, particularly focusing on their beautiful mouth. He mentions ingredients like 'mele, zucchero e cannella' (apples, sugar, and cinnamon), which evoke a sense of sweetness and warmth. The repeated assertion that there is no need for a fortune teller to understand how the mother made such a beautiful person underscores the idea that the love and care put into their creation are evident and undeniable. This song is a celebration of maternal love and the unique beauty it can create, wrapped in the rich cultural tapestry of Neapolitan tradition.