O Sole Mio (My Sun)

During childhood visits to Grandma’s big white house on State St., we cha-cha-cha’d from room to room stepping over sheet music scattered onto the floor from Grandpa’s guitar case. Sometimes he would take out his banjo, or would be accompanied by Uncle Pat on the accordion. Grandma was always close by, usually in the kitchen, humming a familiar tune while sprinkling sugar over something sweet.

In my late 20’s, the winter before Grandma passed away, she visited me in my Kingston apartment during Christmas vacation. We watched the three Tenors (a la Pavarotti) on my VCR about 30 times. We talked a lot that week, and I asked her many questions. She told me how Grandpa serenaded her outside her window before they were married, and that it was Aunt Rose who finally convinced her to give him a chance.

Whenever I go to a live music event, or hear Pavarotti, I always think about my grandparents. New questions always surface. Did Grandpa ever compose a song? What song was Grandma always humming? What did he sing to her that night?

Below is the English translation of O Sole Mio along with a link to the Pavarotti video performance that Grandma and I watch countless numbers of times together.

It occurred to me that this may have been “the” song.

O Sole Mio/Pavarotti
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLE3yXAqBxc

English Translation to O Sole Mio

When I first saw you with your smile so tender

my heart was captured, my soul surrendered.

I spent a lifetime waiting for the right time

now that you're near the time is here at last!

It's now or never come hold me tight

kiss me my darling, be mine tonight.

Tomorrow will be too late

it's now or never my love won't wait.

Just like a willow we would cry an ocean

if we lost true love and sweet devotion.

Your lips excite me let your arms invite me,

for who knows when we'll meet again this way.


Postscript:
Here is another favorite performance. In particular, take special note to Jose Carrarras during the last minute of this segment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJuPB8VZxuI&mode=related&search=