Lazzari Felici [English translation]

We are the happy lazzari1,

People who cannot find peace

And are moved by the music we sing,

We’re always ready2

Fpr not losing that [peculiar] scent…

We are the happy lazzari

We are tired but we don’t want to show it

Players that are not allowed to look at each others.

When we are dead3

(And our head is leaning over the chest)

We’ll no longer feel the smell of the sea,

And with the “war inside our hands“4

We’ll know that it will be all over.

When you go out, make the sign of the Cross

[As] you cannot make peace while walking:

All around there are mess-ups

That you cannot percept.

Our music is like a robber

That steals and leaves its mark

And robs inside the piggy-banks and plays

Knowing that for you it’s all over.

(And then) The time passes5

And while we wait the times come out right…

(and) when you open the closet you know where you belong

and don’t forget it!

The time passes

You wear your shirt off [your trousers], and you feel it [all] inside you

And stay awake all night

thinking about where you’ve been.

1. For some infos about the “lazzari”, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenopean_Republic. In this case, the author is referring to people living in Naples2. lit. ready to jump3. lit. the shoulders touch the coffin4. Don't know the Specific meaning of this saying in Neapolitan5. The 20th century passes