Passione

Tito Schipa's 'Passione' is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the deep emotional turmoil it brings. The song, sung in Neapolitan dialect, captures the essence of longing and the paradoxical closeness felt despite physical distance. The opening lines, 'Cchiù luntana mme staje, cchiù vicina te sento,' translate to 'The farther you are from me, the closer I feel you,' setting the tone for a narrative steeped in emotional contradiction. This paradox is a common theme in love poetry, where distance often intensifies feelings rather than diminishes them.

The lyrics delve into the physical and emotional effects of this unfulfilled love. The singer describes feeling as though a sweet poison runs through his veins, a metaphor for the intoxicating yet painful nature of his affection. The 'croce' or cross he bears symbolizes the burden of his unreciprocated feelings, which he carries with a sense of resigned devotion. This religious imagery is further emphasized when he mentions making a vow to the Madonna d''a neve, promising gold and pearls if his feverish longing is alleviated. This vow highlights the desperation and the lengths to which he is willing to go to find solace.

The repetition of 'Te voglio, te penzo, te chiammo, te veco, te sento, te sonno' underscores the obsessive nature of his thoughts. He is consumed by his love, seeing and feeling the presence of the beloved in every aspect of his life, even in his dreams. The refrain 'E' n'anno, ce pienze ch'è n'anno ca st'uocchie nun ponno cchiù pace truvá?' reflects the passage of time and the relentless nature of his suffering. It has been a year, and yet his eyes find no peace, indicating a prolonged period of emotional distress. Schipa's delivery, with its operatic intensity, adds a layer of dramatic urgency to the song, making 'Passione' a timeless expression of love's enduring and often painful grip on the human heart.