Nuvole barocche: Nuvole barocche - Baroque Clouds

Poi un'altra giornata di luce poi un altro di questi tramonti e portali colonne fontane. Tu mi hai insegnato a vivere insegnami a partir. Ma il cielo è tutto rosso di nuvole barocche sul fiume che si sciacqua sotto l'ultimo sole. E mentre soffio a soffio le spinge lo scirocco sussurra un altro invito che dice di restare. Poi carezze lusinghe abbandoni poi quegli occhi di verde dolcezza mille e una di queste promesse. Tu mi hai insegnato il sogno io voglio la realtà. E mentre soffio a soffio le spinge lo scirocco sussurra un altro invito che dice devi amare che dice devi amare. Nuvole barocche © 1961 Fabrizio De André/Gianni Lario/Carlo Stanisci "Nuvole barocche" was the first song written by De André and was the A side of the first 45 released by the Karim label, in 1961. The song had been written in 1958 and had more the vocal style of "Volare" by Domenico Modugno, a song that had taken the world by storm also in 1958. Official credits aside, the lyrics of the song were co-written by De André and Gianni Cozzo (Giannilario), and the music was written by Umberto Bindi. The song is far from trademark De André, who wrote this song off, along with "Fu la notte," as retro "sins of youth." "Volare," the smash hit of 1958 that probably indirectly influenced "Nuvole barocche."

Then another day of light, then another of these sunsets, and portals, columns, fountains. You taught me to live, teach me to leave. But the sky is all red with baroque clouds over the river that rinses itself under the setting sun. And while breath by breath the cool damp sirocco wind pushes them on, it whispers another invitation that says to stay. Then caresses, lures, moments of abandon, then those eyes of green sweetness, a thousand and one of these promises. You taught me the dream, I want the reality. And while breath by breath the cool damp sirocco wind pushes them on, it whispers another invitation that says you must love, that says you have to love. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles released between 1961 and 1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: E fu la notte - And It Was Nighttime

E fu la notte la notte per noi notte profonda sul nostro amore. E fu la fine di tutto per noi resta il passato e niente di più. Ma se ti dico: "non t'amo più" sono sicuro di non dire il vero. E fu la notte la notte per noi buio e silenzio son scesi su noi. E fu la notte la notte per noi buio e silenzio son scesi su noi. E fu la notte © 1961 Franco Franchi/Carlo Cesare Stanisci/Arrigo Amadesi "E fu la notte" was the B side of the first 45 released by the Karim label, in 1961. Given the power of De André's lyric writing throughout his career, the banality of the lyrics provided for him on this song, combined with the sappy, retro '50s sound of this recording, are quite the contrast to his subsequent work. One can see why he disowned these earliest tunes, entertaining as they might be as historical footnotes, which marked his first steps into being a recording artist.

And it was nighttime, the nighttime for us, deep night on our love. And it was the end of everything for us, the past remained and nothing more. But if I tell you, “I don’t love you anymore,” I am sure to not be telling the truth. And it was nighttime, the nighttime for us. Darkness and silence descended on us. And it was nighttime, the nighttime for us. Darkness and silence descended on us. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles released between 1961 and 1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: Delitto di paese - Small Town Crime (Brassens)

Non tutti nella capitale sbocciano i fiori del male, qualche assassinio senza pretese l'abbiamo anche noi in paese. Qualche assassinio senza pretese lo abbiamo anche noi qui in paese. Aveva il capo tutto bianco ma il cuore non ancor stanco gli ritornò a battere in fretta per una giovinetta. Gli ritornò a battere in fretta per una giovinetta. Ma la sua voglia troppo viva subito gli esauriva, in quattro baci e una carezza l'ultima giovinezza. In quattro baci e una carezza l'ultima giovinezza. Quando la mano lei gli tese triste lui le rispose, d'essere povero in bolletta lei si rivestì in fretta. D'essere povero in bolletta lei si rivestì in fretta. E andò a cercare il suo compagno partecipe del guadagno e ritornò col protettore dal vecchio truffatore. E ritornò col protettore dal vecchio truffatore. Mentre lui fermo lo teneva sei volte lo accoltellava dicon che quando lui spirò la lingua lei gli mostrò. Dicon che quando lui spirò la lingua lei gli mostrò. Misero tutto sotto sopra senza trovare un soldo ma solo un mucchio di cambiali e di atti giudiziari. Ma solo un mucchio di cambiali e di atti giudiziari. Allora presi dallo sconforto e dal rimpianto del morto, si inginocchiaron sul poveruomo chiedendogli perdono. Si inginocchiaron sul poveruomo chiedendogli perdono. Quando i gendarmi sono entrati piangenti li han trovati fu qualche lacrima sul viso a dargli il paradiso. Fu qualche lacrima sul viso a dargli il paradiso. E quando furono impiccati volarono fra i beati qualche beghino di questo fatto fu poco soddisfatto. Qualche beghino di questo fatto fu poco soddisfatto. Non tutti nella capitale sbocciano i fiori del male, qualche assassinio senza pretese lo abbiamo anche noi in paese. Qualche assassinio senza pretese lo abbiamo anche noi qui in paese. Text of Delitto di paese © 1965 Fabrizio De André based on L'Assassinat © 1962 Georges Brassens "Delitto di paese" is a mostly faithful translation of "L'assassinat" by Georges Brassens, with only a few small changes (notably there's a reference to Baudelaire with De André's change to "flowers of evil," the title of an early volume of Baudelaire's poetry). This was the first of many translations De André would do of songs by Brassens, who was a major influence on De André both for his music and for his political and philosophical points of view. Both men considered compassion and forgiveness the most powerful human forces for good, reflected in this song by the killers' admittance to Heaven after they shed tears of remorse for their crime (the tears on their faces gave them entrance to heaven).

Not only in the capital do flowers of evil bloom. Some modest killing even we have in the village. Some modest killing even we have here in the village. His head was white all over but his heart, not yet tired, returned to him to throb fast for a young girl. It returned to him to throb fast for a young girl. But his desire, too lively, quickly exhausted in four kisses and a caress his final youthfulness. In four kisses and a caress, his final youthfulness. When his hand she held, he responded to her, sad for being poor, flat broke. She got back dressed in a hurry. For being poor, flat broke, she got back dressed in a hurry. And she went in search of her companion, sharer in the earnings, and returned with a protector to the old trickster's place. And she returned with a protector to the old trickster's place. While he, standing, held him, she stabbed him six times. They say when he spent his last breath she showed him the tongue. They say when he spent his last breath she showed her companion the tongue. They turned the place upside down without finding a penny, only but a pile of bills and court judgments. Only but a pile of bills and court judgments. Then, taken by the discomfort and regret of death, they got down on their knees by the poor fellow, asking him for pardon. They got down on their knees by the poor fellow asking him for pardon. When the gendarmes entered they found them crying. Some tears were on their faces to give them heaven. Some tears were on their faces to give them heaven. And when they were hung they flew among the blessed. Of this fact a few bigots were little satisfied. Of this fact a few bigots were little satisfied. Not only in the capital do flowers of evil bloom. Some modest killing even we have in the village. Some modest killing even we have here in the village. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles released between 1961 and 1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: Valzer per un amore (o campestre) Waltz for a Lover (or Country Waltz)

Quando carica d'anni e di castità tra i ricordi e le illusioni del bel tempo che non ritornerà, troverai le mie canzoni, nel sentirle ti meraviglierai che qualcuno abbia lodato le bellezze che allor più non avrai e che avesti nel tempo passato ma non ti servirà il ricordo, non ti servirà che per piangere il tuo rifiuto del mio amore che non tornerà. Ma non ti servirà più a niente, non ti servirà che per piangere sui tuoi occhi che nessuno più canterà. Ma non ti servirà più a niente, non ti servirà che per piangere sui tuoi occhi che nessuno più canterà. Vola il tempo lo sai che vola e va, forse non ce ne accorgiamo ma più ancora del tempo che non ha età, siamo noi che ce ne andiamo e per questo ti dico amore, amor io t'attenderò ogni sera, ma tu vieni non aspettare ancor, vieni adesso finché è primavera. Valzer per un amore © 1964 Fabrizio De André/Gino Marinuzzi "Valzer per un amore" was the B side of the sixth 45 released by Karim, in 1964. The music is that of "Valzer campestre" from the Sicilian Suite (1909) by Gino Marinuzzi. De André wanted to set lyrics to this piece of music when he learned that he had been born at home while this song was playing on the record player. He contacted the composer's son and was happily given permission to use the music. De André's lyric approach was influenced by a 16th century French poem, one of Pierre de Ronsard's Sonnets pour Hélène: Quand vous serez bien vieille, au soir, à la chandelle, Assise auprès du feu, dévidant et filant, Direz, chantant mes vers, en vous émerveillant: Ronsard me célébrait du temps que j’étais belle. When you are very old, in the evening, by candlelight, Sitting by the fire, winding and spinning, You will say, singing my verses, marveling: Ronsard celebrated me in the time when I was beautiful.

When laden with years and with chastity, among the memories and illusions of the good times that won’t return, you will find my songs. In hearing them you’ll marvel that someone praised the beauties that you’ll then no longer have and that you had in times past. But it won’t do you any good, the memory, it won’t do you any good save for lamenting your refusal of my love that won’t return. But it won't do you any more good at all, it won't do you any good save for grieving over your eyes that no one will sing of any more. But it won’t do you any more good at all, it won't do you any good save for grieving over your eyes that no one will sing of any more. Time flies, you know that it flies and it goes. Maybe we don’t notice it, but even more so than time, that has no age, 'tis we who are going away. And for this I say to you love, love, I’ll wait for you every evening. But come, don’t you keep waiting, come now while it’s springtime. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles released between 1961 and 1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: Per i tuoi larghi occhi - For Your Big Eyes

Per i tuoi larghi occhi, per i tuoi larghi occhi chiari che non piangono mai, che non piangono mai. E perché non mi hai dato che un addio tanto breve, perché dietro a quegli occhi batte un cuore di neve. Io ti dico che mai il ricordo che in me lascerai sarà stretto al mio cuore da un motivo d'amore. Non pensarlo perché tutto quel che ricordo di te, di quegli attimi amari, sono i tuoi occhi chiari. I tuoi larghi occhi che restavan lontani anche quando io sognavo, anche mentre ti amavo. E se tu tornerai t'amerò come sempre ti amai, come un bel sogno inutile che si scorda al mattino. Ma i tuoi larghi occhi, i tuoi larghi occhi chiari anche se non verrai non li scorderò mai. Per i tuoi larghi occhi © 1965 Fabrizio De Andrè "Per i tuoi occhi" was released in 1965 by Karim. As does "La ballata dell'amore cieco" the following year, this song bears the influence of Baudelaire and the femme fatale.

For your big eyes For your big bright eyes That don’t ever cry That don’t ever cry And why didn’t you give me But such a brief farewell? Because behind those eyes Beats a heart of ice. I tell you that never Will the memory you’ll leave me with Be close to my heart By reason of love. I don’t think so because Everything that I remember of you, Of those bitter moments, Are your bright eyes. Your big eyes That remained distant Even when I was dreaming, Even while I was loving you. And if you return I will love you as I always loved you, Like a beautiful useless dream That one forgets in the morning. But your two big eyes, Your two big bright eyes Even if you don’t come I won’t forget them ever. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De Andrè singles released between 1961 and 1966.

Nuvole barocche: Carlo Martello ritorna dalla battaglia di Poitiers Charles Martel Returns from the Battle of Poitiers

Re Carlo tornava dalla guerra lo accoglie la sua terra cingendolo d'allor al sol della calda primavera lampeggia l'armatura del sire vincitor il sangue del principe del Moro arrossano il cimiero d'identico color ma più che del corpo le ferite da Carlo son sentite le bramosie d'amor "se ansia di gloria e sete d'onore spegne la guerra al vincitore non ti concede un momento per fare all'amore chi poi impone alla sposa soave di castità la cintura ahimè è grave in battaglia può correre il rischio di perder la chiave" così si lamenta il Re cristiano s'inchina intorno il grano gli son corona i fior lo specchio di chiara fontanella riflette fiero in sella dei Mori il vincitor Quand'ecco nell'acqua si compone mirabile visione il simbolo d'amor nel folto di lunghe trecce bionde il seno si confonde ignudo in pieno sol "Mai non fu vista cosa più bella mai io non colsi siffatta pulzella" disse Re Carlo scendendo veloce di sella "De' cavaliere non v'accostate già d'altri è gaudio quel che cercate ad altra più facile fonte la sete calmate" Sorpreso da un dire sì deciso sentendosi deriso Re Carlo s'arrestò ma più dell'onor poté il digiuno fremente l'elmo bruno il sire si levò codesta era l'arma sua segreta da Carlo spesso usata in gran difficoltà alla donna apparve un gran nasone e un volto da caprone ma era sua maestà "Se voi non foste il mio sovrano" Carlo si sfila il pesante spadone "non celerei il disio di fuggirvi lontano, ma poiché siete il mio signore" Carlo si toglie l'intero gabbione "debbo concedermi spoglia ad ogni pudore" Cavaliere egli era assai valente ed anche in quel frangente d'onor si ricoprì e giunto alla fin della tenzone incerto sull'arcione tentò di risalir veloce lo arpiona la pulzella repente una parcella presenta al suo signor "Beh proprio perché voi siete il sire fan cinquemila lire è un prezzo di favor" "E' mai possibile o porco di un cane che le avventure in codesto reame debban risolversi tutte con grandi puttane, anche sul prezzo c'è poi da ridire ben mi ricordo che pria di partire v'eran tariffe inferiori alle tremila lire" Ciò detto agì da gran cialtrone con balzo da leone in sella si lanciò frustando il cavallo come un ciuco fra i glicini e il sambuco il Re si dileguò Re Carlo tornava dalla guerra lo accoglie la sua terra cingendolo d'allor al sol della calda primavera lampeggia l'armatura del sire vincitor Carlo Martello ritorna dalla battaglia di Poitiers © 1963 Fabrizio De André/Paolo Villagio This song was released in 1963 as the B side of a 45 with "Il fannullone" as the A-side. The text was written by a friend from childhood, Paolo Villagio, and the music is by De André. The Battle of Poitiers occurred in 732, a battle between the Franks and the Moors in what is now northern France. The song is in the style of popular French pastourelles sung by medieval troubadours about encounters between knights and country girls. In 1965 a complaint was brought against De André and his label Karim for obscene content in the lyrics. The case was settled in De André's favor in 1968. The Italian in this song is an old style, and Riccardo Venturi has done a nice translation into a similarly "olde" style of English.

King Charles was returning from the war. His land welcomes him, crowning him with a laurel. In the hot spring sun flashes the suit of armor of the victorious Sire. The blood of the prince and the Moor redden the crest, of identical color. But more than the wounds of the body, Charles felt the yearning for love. “If eagerness for glory and a thirst for honor extinguish war for the victor, it allows you not a moment to pursue love. "One, then, who imposes on the gentle wife the chastity belt - alas it is heavy - in battle can run the risk of losing the key.” Thus complains the Christian king. The grain bows down and flowers gather about. The mirror of the clear fountain reflects, proud in his saddle, the victor of the Moors. When here in the water is formed, marvelous vision, the symbol of love - in the fullness of the long blond braids the breast intermingles, naked in broad daylight. “Never was seen something more beautiful, never did I catch such a maid,” said King Charles, dismounting quickly from his saddle. “But oh, Knight, come no closer, that which you seek is already the joy of another. Quench your thirst from some easier spring.” Surprised by a response so sharp, feeling put down, King Charles stopped. But greater than honor was the power of abstinence. Trembling, his brown helm the King lifted off. This was the secret weapon by Charles often used in dire straights - to the woman appeared a big nose and the face of a goat, but it was her majesty. “If you were not my sovereign,” - Charles takes off his heavy sword - “I wouldn’t conceal the desire to run far away." "But since you are my Lord,” - Charles frees himself from the prison of his armor - “I must give myself over bare to every shame.” He was indeed a valiant knight, and even at that juncture was covered again with honor. And, conjoined at the end of the duel, uncertain, the saddle he tried to remount. Quickly the maiden harpooned him. Suddenly a bill she presents to her Lord. “Ah, just because you are my Lord, it’s five thousand lira, a special price.” “It’s ever possible, son of a bitch, that the adventures in this realm should all end up with big whores. "Even the price, then, can be criticized. I remember well that before I left there were lower prices of three thousand lira.” Thus spoken, he acted like a scoundrel - with the leap of a lion he mounted his steed. Whipping the horse as if it were a donkey, through the wisteria and elderberries the king disappeared. King Charles returned from the war. His land welcomes him, crowning him with a laurel. In the hot spring sun flashes the suit of armor of the victorious Sire. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André’s singles from 1961-1965.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barroche: Il fannullone - The Slouch

-Senza pretesa di voler strafare io dormo al giorno quattordici ore anche per questo nel mio rione godo la fama di fannullone ma non si sdegni la brava gente se nella vita non riesco a far niente.- Tu vaghi per le strade quasi tutta la notte sognando mille favole di gloria e di vendette racconti le tue storie a pochi uomini ormai stanchi che ridono fissandoti con vuoti sguardi bianchi tu reciti una parte fastidiosa alla gente facendo della vita una commedia divertente. -Ho anche provato a lavorare senza risparmio mi diedi da fare ma il sol risultato dell'esperimento fu della fame un tragico aumento non si risenta la gente per bene se non mi adatto a portar le catene.- Ti diedero lavoro in un grande ristorante a lavare gli avanzi della gente elegante ma tu dicevi -il cielo è la mia unica fortuna e l'acqua dei piatti non rispecchia la luna- tornasti a cantar storie lungo strade di notte sfidando il buon umore delle tue scarpe rotte. -Non sono poi quel cagnaccio malvagio senza morale straccione e randagio che si accontenta di un osso bucato con affettuoso disprezzo gettato al fannullone sa battere il cuore il cane randagio ha trovato il suo amore.- Pensasti al matrimonio come al giro di una danza amasti la tua donna come un giorno di vacanza hai preso la tua casa per rifugio alla tua fiacca per un attaccapanni a cui appendere la giacca e la tua dolce sposa consolò la sua tristezza cercando tra la gente chi le offrisse tenerezza. È andata via senza fare rumore forse cantando una storia d'amore la raccontava ad un mondo ormai stanco che camminava distratto al suo fianco lei tornerà in una notte d'estate l'applaudiranno le stelle incantate rischiareranno dall'alto i lampioni la strana danza di due fannulloni la luna avrà dell'argento il colore sopra la schiena dei gatti in amore. Il fannulone © 1963 Fabrizio De André/Paolo Villagio "Il fannulone" was the A-side of De André's third single on Karim, released in 1963. It was co-written with Paolo Villaggio, a childhood friend. There are several strains in this early song that will surface regularly in later songs: going against the grain of mainstream society, a sense of irony towards so-called respectable folk ("la gente per bene"), and an irreverent and playful attitude. The song no doubt sprang from the anti-conformist lifestyles of the two young authors. Riccardo Venturi called this song "deliciously revolutionary and subversive" and described it as a "hymn to doing nothing," where to do nothing is to live life truly, not allowing a dehumanized corporate complex to take it away from you. Genoa at night - "The moon will be silver in color over the backs of the cats in love."

"With no pretense of wanting to overdo it, I sleep fourteen hours a day. Also for this reason, in my district I enjoy the reputation of a slouch. But don't scorn the good people if I don’t manage to do anything in life." You roam the streets almost all night long, dreaming a thousand tales of glory and revenge. You recount your stories to a few men now tired, who laugh, fixing you with blank, empty stares. You play an annoying role for people, making of life an amusing comedy. "I even tried to work, with all my might I tried hard, but the only result of the experiment was a tragic increase in hunger. Respectable people aren’t offended if I’m not well-suited for carrying the chains." They gave you work in a big restaurant washing the scraps of the elegant people. But you said, "The sky is my only good fortune and dishwater doesn't reflect the moon." You returned to sing stories along nighttime streets, defying the good humor of your worn-out shoes. "I'm not, then, that malicious cur without morals, tramp and vagabond who contents himself with a pierced bone discarded with affectionate scorn. For the slouch, the heart knows how to beat, the stray dog has found its love." You thought of marriage as a turn at a dance, you loved your woman like a day on vacation. You took your house as a refuge for your sluggishness, as a rack on which to hang your jacket, and your sweet spouse consoled her sadness searching among people for anyone that might offer her tenderness. She went away without making a sound, perhaps singing a story of love. She recounted it for a world tired by then, one that walked inattentive at her side. She'll return on a summer night, they will applaud her, the enchanted stars. From up high the streetlamps will illuminate the strange dance of two slouches. The moon will be silver in color over the backs of the cats in love. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles on the Karim label from 1961-1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: Geordie

Mentre attraversavo London Bridge un giorno senza sole vidi una donna pianger d'amore, piangeva per il suo Geordie. Impiccheranno Geordie con una corda d'oro, è un privilegio raro. Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re vendendoli per denaro. Sellate il suo cavallo dalla bianca criniera sellatele il suo pony cavalcherà fino a Londra stasera ad implorare per Geordie Geordie non rubò mai neppure per me un frutto o un fiore raro. Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re vendendoli per denaro. Salvate le sue labbra, salvate il suo sorriso, non ha vent'anni ancora cadrà l'inverno anche sopra il suo viso, potrete impiccarlo allora Nè il cuore degli inglesi nè lo scettro del re Geordie potran salvare, anche se piangeranno con te la legge non può cambiare. Così lo impiccheranno con una corda d'oro, è un privilegio raro. Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re vendendoli per denaro. Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re vendendoli per denaro. Geordie © 1966 Fabrizio De André, arrangement of a traditional English/Scottish ballad. "Geordie" was the last of the Karim singles, released in 1966. The song is a translation of a broadside ballad dating back to 17th century England and 16th century Scotland, popularized by Joan Baez in the early 1960s. During the first years of Baez's career, she regularly performed six Child Ballads, of which "Geordie" was one. De André's version met with some modest success, and became a regular part of his live shows in his later career, sung with his daughter Luvi. On the record, the female singer is Maureen Rix, an English teacher from one of the scholastic institutes of De André's father. Live duet with Maureen Rix (not Joan Baez), 1966 Geordie – as done by Joan Baez, 1962 As I walked out over London bridge One misty morning early, I overheard a fair pretty maid Was lamenting for her Geordie. My Geordie will be hanged in a golden chain, 'Tis not the chain of many He was born of king's royal breed And lost to a virtuous lady. Go bridle me my milk white steed, Go bridle me my pony, I will ride to London court To plead for the life of my Geordie. Ah, my Geordie never stole nor cow nor calf, He never hurted any, Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer, And he sold them in Bohenny. Two pretty babies have I born, The third lies in my body, I'd freely part with them every one If you'd spare the life of Geordie. The judge looked over his left shoulder, He said fair maid I'm sorry He said fair maid you must be gone For I cannot pardon Geordie. My Geordie will be hanged in a golden chain, 'Tis not the chain of many, Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer And he sold them in Bohenny. Stole sixteen of the king's royal deer And he sold them in Bohenny.

While I was crossing London Bridge one sunless day, I saw a woman weeping for love. She was lamenting for her Geordie. They will hang Geordie with a golden cord - it's a rare privilege. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash. Saddle up her white-maned horse, saddle up her pony, she'll ride on down to London tonight to plead for Geordie. Geordie never stole anything for me, a fruit or a rare flower. He stole six deer from the King's park, selling them for some cash. Save his lips, save his smile, he's not yet 20 years old. Winter will fall over his face, too, you can hang him then. Neither the heart of the English nor the King's scepter can save Geordie. Even if they might cry with you, the law cannot change. Thus they will hang him with a golden cord - it's a rare privilege. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles on the Karim label from 1961-1966. Geordie – as done by Fabrizio De André, 1998 While I was crossing London Bridge one sunless day, I saw a woman weeping for love. She was lamenting for her Geordie. They will hang Geordie with a golden cord. It's a rare privilege. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash. Saddle up her white-maned horse, saddle up her pony, she'll ride on down to London tonight to plead for Geordie. Geordie never stole anything for me, a fruit or a rare flower. He stole six deer from the King's park, selling them for some cash. Save his lips, save his smile, he's not yet 20 years old. Winter will fall over his face, too. You can hang him then. Neither the heart of the English nor the King's scepter can save Geordie. Even if they might cry with you, the law cannot change. Thus they will hang him with a golden cord. It's a rare privilege. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash. He stole six deer in the King's park, selling them for some cash.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: Amore che vieni, amore che vai - You, Love, Who Comes and Who Goes

Quei giorni perduti a rincorrere il vento a chiederci un bacio e volerne altri cento un giorno qualunque li ricorderai amore che fuggi da me tornerai un giorno qualunque li ricorderai amore che fuggi da me tornerai E tu che con gli occhi di un altro colore mi dici le stesse parole d'amore fra un mese fra un anno scordate le avrai amore che vieni da me fuggirai tra un mese tra un anno scordate le avrai amore che vieni da me fuggirai Venuto dal sole o da spiagge gelate perduto in novembre o col vento d'estate io t'ho amato sempre non t'ho amato mai amore che vieni amore che vai io t'ho amato sempre non t'ho amato mai amore che vieni amore che vai Amore che vieni, amore che vai © 1966 Fabrizio De André "Amore che vieni, amore che vai" was the last song written by De André for the Karim label, and it was released in 1966 as side B to "Geordie." It treats a theme that appears regularly in De André's work, the mutability of love. The song is also featured in a 2008 movie of the same name, based on the novel Un destino ridicolo co-written by De André and Alessandro Gennari in 1996.

Those days long past of chasing the wind, of asking each other for a kiss and wanting a hundred more, one of these days you’ll remember them. You, love who runs away, will come back to me. One of these days you'll remember them. You, love that flees, to me will return. And you who with eyes of a different color tell me the very same words of love, in a month, in a year, you’ll have forgotten them. Love who comes to me, from me you will flee. In a month, in a year, you’ll have forgotten them. Love who comes to me, from me you will flee. Hailing from sunshine or from cold, cold shores, lost in November or with a summer breeze, I loved you always, I never loved you, you, love, who comes and who goes. I loved you always, I never loved you, you, love, who comes, you, love, who goes. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barroche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles on the Karim label from 1961-1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List

Nuvole barocche: La canzone dell'amore perduto The Song of Love Lost

Ricordi, sbocciavan le viole con le nostre parole “Non ci lasceremo mai, mai e poi mai” Vorrei dirti ora le stesse cose ma come fan presto, amore ad appassire le rose così per noi. L'amore che strappa i capelli è perduto ormai, non resta che qualche svogliata carezza e un po' di tenerezza. E quando ti troverai in mano quei fiori appassiti al sole di un aprile ormai lontano, li rimpiangerai. Ma sarà la prima che incontri per strada, che tu coprirai d'oro per un bacio mai dato, per un amore nuovo. E sarà la prima che incontri per strada, che tu coprirai d'oro per un bacio mai dato, per un amore nuovo. La canzone dell'amore perduto © 1966 Fabrizio De André "La canzone dell'amore perduto" was written when things were no longer going well between De André and his first wife "Puny" Rignon, though they continued to live together for a while. It's interesting that De André wrote this break-up song from the woman's point of view. The song was extremely popular and was covered by many other Italian artists. The music is from Georg Philipp Telemann (Adagio from "Concerto in D Major for trumpet, strings and basso continuo").

Remember? The violets used to bloom along with our words - “We’ll never, ever leave each other, never.” I’d like to say the same things to you now, but how quickly, love, the roses fade, just like the two of us. The love that drove us to our wits’ ends is now lost, nothing remains but some limp caresses and a tiny bit of tenderness. And when you find yourself with those wilted flowers in hand, withered in the sun of a now-distant April, you’ll be filled with regret. But there will be that first woman you meet out on the street whom you’ll cover in gold, for a kiss never given, for a new love. And there will be that first one that you meet on the streets whom you’ll cover in gold, for a kiss never given, for a new love. English translation © 2014 Dennis Criteser Nuvole barocche, released in 1969, is a collection of De André singles on the Karim label from 1961-1966.

Back to Album List         Back to Song List