I’m planning to play this 45 from 1964 at Skylark Lounge tonight. I found it at the Bop Shop. “Sciuri – Sciuri” is a Sicilian folk song by Francesco Paolo Frontini in 1883. Luisa & Gabriella made it a hit in 1964 and the duo split shortly after. The track helped establish Gabriella Ferri as one of Italy’s greatest 20th-century cabaret voices. I couldn’t find the song on Apple Music or Spotify but I found a live (dubbed) version on YouTube. Here’s an English translation.
Jasmine flowers and little creepers,
I don’t sing because I feel in love,
I only sing to clear my mind and pass the time.
(chorus)
Flowers, flowers, flowers all year round,
The love you gave to me, I give it right back to you.
Saturday, as we know, gladdens the heart,
Blessed is the man who has a beautiful wife.
He who has a beautiful one spends money on her,
He who has an ugly one feels his heart dying.
Red roses in blossom,
Pity the poor person who believes your words.
I don’t want you anymore, you can leave!