I am in love with the humble Sicilian donkey which was something of a status symbol in the agricultural-based Sicilian culture of last century. These animals are no longer seen much around the island as they are mainly kept by hobby farmers and those with a passion for animals.
These animals are no longer seen much around the island as they are mainly kept by hobby farmers and those with a passion for animals.
I was absolutely thrilled to hear a wonderful folk song in praise of the donkey which has quickly become my young son’s favourite ditty to sing.It is an old Sicilian song from the period when donkeys were readily found around the island, a poor farmer has lost his beloved ‘siccareddu’ who has been killed.
The words are quite heartfelt … ‘what a great voice he [the donkey] had, he seemed a great tenor, my beloved donkey, and when he sang he went [braying sound], how can I ever forget you.’
It is an old Sicilian song from the period when donkeys were readily found around the island, a poor farmer has lost his beloved ‘siccareddu’ who has been killed.
The words are quite heartfelt … ‘what a great voice he [the donkey] had, he seemed a great tenor, my beloved donkey, and when he sang he went [braying sound], how can I ever forget you.’
Poignant stuff.
It is a hilarious song and my son brays his heart out in the chorus, it’s truly wonderful.
Here are the lyrics:
A heartfelt ode to a Donkey in Sicilian, Italian and English.
U sciccareddu / L’asinello / Donkey
Avia nu sciccareddu / Avevo un’ asinello / I had a little donkey
davveru sapuritu / davvero saporito / really special
ora mi l’ammazzaru / adesso me l’hanno ammazzato / and now it’s been killed
poviru sceccu miu / povero asino mio / my poor little donkey.
Chorus:
Chi bedda vuci avia / Che bella voce aveva / What a beautiful voice he had
paria nu gran tinuri / pareva un gran tenore / he seemed like a great tenor
sciccareddu di lu me cori / asinello del mio cuore / donkey of my heart
comu ju t’hai a scurdari / come ti potrò mai scordare / how can I ever forget you
e quannu cantava facia: / e quando cantava faceva: / and when he sung he went:
iha, iha, iha… / iha, iha, iha… / hee-haw, hee-haw, hee-haw
sciccareddu di lu me cori / asinello del mio cuore / donkey of my heart
comu ju t’hai a scurdari / come ti potrò mai scordare / how can I ever forget you?
Quannu ‘ncuntrava ‘ncumpagnu / Quando incontrava un compagno / When he met another friend
subitu lu ciarava / subito lo odorava / he would get along with him
e dopu lu raspava / e dopo lo grattava / and he would caress him
ccu granni carità / con grande carità / with great tenderness
(Chorus)
Here are two versions I found on You Tube, the first is a traditional interpretation complete with extensive and impressive donkey braying.
The second is a more serious Operatic interpretation by American tenor Charles Castronovo which shows how versatile Sicilian music can be.
Try singing along, the sound effects are fun.
Wonderful post…wonderful song….thanks:)
Thanks, I really enjoyed writing it I need to do more posts about music, it lightens up peoples lives so much …
Nice post and great photos. I really miss Sicily. Oh the Piedmontese also love donkeys but not quite in the same way.
There is something special about a Sicilian and his donkey isn’t there 😉
Love this…I always worry about the donkeys with big fat tourists on their backs! They seem sweet and have lots of personality!
Great post – thanks!
Helena
Thanks Helena, I think you are right to worry about the heavy tourists donkeys have to cart around but they are tough little guys, very strong, stubborn and forthright. I have meaning to pay a tribute to them for a while, happy you enjoyed it and great to hear your comment.
Wow, that is some impressive braying! 🙂
Thanks Linda, couldn’t resist writing a post about this lovable animal, so much fun.
I love it! What could be better than a man singing about his donkey.
Pretty unique hey 😉