Mama

Mama thank you for who I am
Thank you for all the things I'm not
Forgive me for the words unsaid
For the times
I forgot

Mama remember all my life
You showed me love,You sacrificed
Think of those young and early days
How I've changed
along the way

And I know you believed
And I know you had dreams
And I'm sorry it took all this time to see
That I am where I am because of your truth
I miss you, I miss you

Mama forgive the times you cried
Forgive me for not making right
All of the storms I may have caused
And I've been wrong
Dry your eyes

Mama I hope this makes you smile
I hope you're happy with my life
At peace with every choice I made
How I've changed
Along the way
And I know you believed in all of my dreams
And I owe it all to you, Mama

Vocal: II Divo

Mamma

Mamma for voice & orchestra

Vocal: Luciano Pavarotti (Tenor)

Lyric (English Translation with Remarks)

"Mamma, I am so happy, because I'm back with you. My song tells you that this is the most beautiful day for me. Mamma, I am so happy, why should I ever live far away? Mamma, my song flies only for you. Mamma, you'll be with me, you won't be alone any longer. How I love you! These loving words that my heart sighs for you perhaps aren't fashionable any longer, Mamma, but you are my most beautiful song. You are life, and I'll never leave you again in my life." The song slows a little from the almost rushed mood of the opening, "I feel your tired hand feeling for my golden curls. I listen, and your voice can no longer sing the old lullabyes. Today I want to hold your white head to my heart!" The refrain repeats with the "Mamma, my song flies only for you, " and the song ends on an exuberant high note, "You are life, and I'll never leave you again in my life...Mamma, never again!"

Review

This exuberant song has long been a favorite with tenors, particularly Italian tenors, such as Gigli and Pavarotti. The melody is easy and lyrical, and the mood is sunny. The song's quick pace keeps it from becoming maudlin, and the obvious, simple rhymes from seeming too trite, though any artificiality on the part of the singer can make the song an exercise in sentimentality, rather than simplicity.