This is especially for JUDY who asked for Italian folk songs.

BELLA CIAO.

Born as rice-picker women's song, it was re-written by the Italian partisans, probably during the 1944/45 winter when they fought against German Nazis and Italian fascists on the cold mountains separating the North from the Central Italy.

It is considered the partisan's song for excellence and - fifty years later - it is still very popular in Italy. Lyric is very simple, so it speaks directly to heart. The same verse is repeated in every stanza; along with the first verse. The music is very rhythmical. Listened once, learnt forever.

Sorry for the bad translation, it's a task too hard for my English! I hope at least that the sense is clear. Also, I'll be grateful if someone could post a better translation. The tradition of this song deserves it.

Bye

Ezio

BELLA CIAO

Una mattina mi son svegliato...........One morning I woke up
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
Una mattina mi son svegliato...........One morning I woke up
Ed ho trovato l'invasor......................And I've found the invader

O partigiano portami via...................Oh partisan take me away
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
O partigiano portami via...................Oh partisan take me away
Che mi sento di morir.......................As I feel I'm dying

E se io muoio da partigiano..............And if I die as partisan
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
E se io muoio da partigiano..............And if I die as partisan
Tu mi devi seppellir..........................You have to bury me

Mi seppellirai lassu' in montagna.....You will bury me up there on the mountains
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
Mi seppellirai lassu' in montagna.....You will bury me up there over the mountains
Sotto l'ombra di un bel fior...............Under the shadow of a nice flower

E le genti che passeranno..................And the people who will pass by
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
E le genti che passeranno..................And the people who will pass by
Mi diranno "che bel fior"..................They will say "what a fine flower"

Questo è il fiore del partigiano.........This is the flower of the partisan
O bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao....Hello fair lady, hello, hello
Questo è il fiore del partigiano.........This is the flower of the partisan
Morto per la liberta'..........................Dead for the freedom.