Comme Facette Mammeta
Sergio Bruni
The Art of Creation: A Mother's Love in 'Comme Facette Mammeta'
Sergio Bruni'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 as beautiful as the subject of the song, referred to as Concetta. 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 with the question, 'Quanno mammeta t'ha fatta, vuó' sapé comme facette?' which translates to 'When your mother made you, do you want to know how she did it?' This sets the stage for a series of metaphors that describe the creation process. For instance, the lyrics mention 'ciento rose 'ncappucciate' (a hundred hooded roses) and 'latte, rose, rose e latte' (milk, roses, roses, and milk), suggesting that the subject's beauty is a blend of the finest and most delicate elements.
As the song progresses, it delves into more specific features, such as the lips and hair. The lips are described as being made from 'nu panaro chino, chino, tutt' 'e fravule 'e ciardino' (a basket full of garden strawberries), mixed with honey, sugar, and cinnamon. This imagery not only highlights the sweetness and allure of the subject's lips but also the meticulous care and love that went into their creation. Similarly, the golden braids of hair are likened to a 'miniera sana sana, tutta fatta a filagrana' (a whole mine, all made of filigree), emphasizing their priceless and intricate nature.
The recurring line, 'Nun c'è bisogno 'a zingara, p'andiviná, Cuncè' ('There's no need for a fortune teller to guess, Concetta'), reinforces the idea that the beauty and essence of the subject are evident and undeniable. The song is a heartfelt tribute to the love and effort a mother puts into creating her child, using vivid and enchanting metaphors to paint a picture of unparalleled beauty and care.