About the song
“Mambo Italiano” by Rosemary Clooney is a lively and infectious song that embodies the spirit of Italian-American culture in the 1950s. Written by Bob Merrill, this classic track was released by Clooney in 1954 as part of her album “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas,” which featured various artists.
With its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and playful lyrics, “Mambo Italiano” quickly became a hit on the charts. It reached number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Cash Box magazine chart, solidifying Clooney’s reputation as a versatile and talented performer.
The song’s lyrics, delivered with Clooney’s signature charm and wit, tell the story of a lively Italian party where the mambo dance takes center stage. The combination of English and Italian phrases adds to the song’s exuberant energy, inviting listeners to join in the celebration.
“Mambo Italiano” is a perfect showcase for Clooney’s vocal prowess and her ability to infuse a song with personality and charisma. Her dynamic performance, coupled with the vibrant instrumentation, creates a joyful atmosphere that is impossible to resist.
Over the years, “Mambo Italiano” has remained a beloved favorite, capturing the imagination of listeners with its infectious rhythm and playful lyrics. It has been covered by various artists and featured in numerous films and television shows, but Rosemary Clooney’s original recording remains the definitive version.
For fans of classic pop and jazz music, “Mambo Italiano” is a timeless gem that continues to bring joy and excitement with each listen. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of Clooney’s music and her status as one of the iconic voices of her generation. Whether you’re dancing along to the mambo beat or simply tapping your toes, “Mambo Italiano” is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and brighten your day.
Video
Lyrics
A girl went back to Napoli
Because she missed the scenery
The native dances and the charming songs
But wait a minute, something’s wrong
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Go, go, go you mixed up siciliano
All you calabrese do the mambo like a crazy with a-
Hey mambo, don’t wanna tarantella
Hey mambo, no more a mozzarella
Hey mambo, mambo italiano
Try an enchilada with the fishy baccalà and then a-
Hey cumpa’, I love a how you dance a rhumba
But take-a some advice, paesano
Learn-a how to mambo
If you gonna be a square
You ain’t a gonna go nowhere
Hey mambo, mambo italiano
Hey mambo, mambo italiano
Go, go, Joe, shake like a Giovanno
Hello, che si dice, getta happy in the feets-a when you
Mambo italiano
Shake-a baby, shake-a ’cause I love-a when you take a me
Mama say stop-a or I’m gonna tell papa
And-a hey jadrool you don’t-a have to go to school
Just make-a with the beat bambino
It’s-a like a vino
Kid, you good a lookin’ but you don’t a-know what’s cookin’ till you
Hey mambo, mambo italiano
Hey mambo, mambo italiano
Ho, ho, Joe, you mixed up siciliano
It’s a so delish-a everybody come, capisci
How to mambo italiano
‘Ats nice (uh)