La prima cosa bella [English translation]

I took (up) the guitar

and I play for you

I don't have the time to learn

and I don't (quite) know how to play

but I play for you

Do you hear this voice

that sings--it is my heart

my love, my love, my love

is what I know how to say (all that I can manage to say)

but you shall realize (how much I love you)

The meadows are in bloom

and you smell lovely, as well

(because of the love I feel for you) I feel like dying

I can no longer sing

(but feeling this love for you is enough for me) I do not ask for anything more

The first beautiful thing

that I have had from life (in my life)

is your youthful smile--it is you.

Among the trees--a star

the night has cleared (has turned to dawn)

the heart in love--evermore so

Do you hear this voice

that sings--it is my heart

my love, my love, my love

is what I know how to say (all that I can manage to say)

but you shall realize (how much I love you)

The meadows are in bloom...

The first beautiful thing

that I have had from life (in my life)

is your youthful smile--it is you.

Among the trees--a star

the night has cleared (has turned to dawn)

the heart in love--evermore so

Do you hear this voice

that sings--it is my heart

my love, my love, my love

is what I know how to say

but you shall realize (how much I love you)

but you shall realize (how much I love you)

note: text in brackets is included so one can understand what is implied; translation from one language to another is not literal many times.