| O Mio Babbino Caro Italian Lyrics | O Mio Babbino Caro English Translation |
| O mio babbino caro, | Oh my dear father, |
| mi piace, è bello bello, | I like him, he is very handsome. |
| vo’andare in Porta Rossa | I want to go to Porta Rossa |
| a comperar l’anello! | to buy the ring! |
| Si, si, ci voglio andare! | Yes, yes, I want to go there! |
| E se l’amassi indarno, | And if my love were in vain, |
| andrei sul Ponte Vecchio | I would go to Ponte Vecchio |
| ma per buttarmi in Arno! | and throw myself in the Arno! |
| Mi struggo e mi tormento, | I am pining and I am tormented, |
| O Dio! Vorrei morir! | Oh God! I would want to die! |
| Babbo, pietà, pietà! | Daddy, have mercy, have mercy! |
| Babbo, pietà, pietà! | Daddy, have mercy, have mercy! |
Yet the music is emotional, beautiful and commonly used in romantic scenes. A young girl is begging her father to approve her love for Gianni Schicchi and threatens to throw herself in the river if he doesn't. I hope Gianni is worth all this emotion and commotion. It all depends on how well she understands herself and if Gianni fits her life. Because we are spectacularly individual, the young will need to try (if our guardians will allow it) out different people.
If the fit is good, there is fulfillment. But lying to ourselves and to each other just to get physical intimacy (which is so common), well we all know it is painful even if you convince yourself there are "no strings attached". Our heart begs to differ.
I think this applies to God too. If we wait and seek out a god of our own design based on fear, doubt and regret, it's OK if God treats us so negatively. Many are pining for torment like this girl asking for permission.
The key to seeing if Gianni is right for her, that he is "bello" is not as important as her own beauty "bella". If she sees who she is, she'll know who is right for her and if her father is not interested in the true "bella" who is his own daughter... well I don't think God is like that.
The opera is here:
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