Bella 'Mbriana [English translation]

Who can ever see me in the dark?

If you only knew what you do the whole day1:

I saw you growing up and sining,

I saw you laughing and playing.

In the darkness – Even if you don’t believe it –,

If you knew – After2 this very tough time comes to an end –:

I saw you crying and cursing,

I saw you stealing and killing.

Good evening, my Bella ‘Mbriana,

No one wants to kick you out of [my] house.

Good evening, my Bella ‘Mbriana,

Shall you stay appended over a golden string.

Good evening, waiting for the good weather,

Good evening to those which are in a hurry and have a broken heart.

[Now] spring comes – creepers –,

You don’t know what you what to expect

And what will ever happen.

I saw the war: do you want to hear that story?

Those were other times – you know nothing about it,

Hang on that wall there is the Heart,

of whom constantly pays [for your sins] and do not feel any pain3

I say the fireworks at night by the sea:

[You were] pretty high and were holding a gun between your hands.

Good evening, my Bella ‘Mbriana,

No one wants to kick you out of [my] house.

Good evening, my Bella ‘Mbriana,

Shall you stay appended over a golden string.

Good evening, waiting for the good weather,

Good evening to those which are in a hurry and have a broken heart.

1. lit. “If you only knew what you could give on both morning and night”.2. it lit. means “Hoping that”3. Neapolitans usually have a painting of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.