Neapolitan songs are a beautiful part of Italy’s rich musical history. They are known for their romantic words, smooth melodies, and emotionality.
Many were written in the 19th century and passed down through generations. Sung with feeling, they usually feature simple yet touching lyrics.
Santa Lucia belongs to this timeless genre, carrying all the charm and tradition of Naples. It’s more than just music; it’s a cultural expression that still connects people through its heartfelt tune and poetic rhythm.
About the Song
Santa Lucia is a well-known Neapolitan song that praises the peaceful beauty of the Santa Lucia waterfront in Naples. The lyrics invite listeners to enjoy calm waters and moonlit reflections.
Teodoro Cottrau translated the song from Neapolitan to Italian, helping it reach more people. Later, it was also translated into English by Teodoro Cottrau, sharing its gentle message around the world.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released | 1894 |
| Writers | Teodoro Cottrau (translated version) |
| Producers | Traditional folk |
English Version of Santa Lucia Song Lyrics
On the sea glitters the silver star
Gentle the waves, favorable the winds.
On the sea glitters the silver star
Gentle the waves, favorable the winds.
Come into my nimble little boat,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Come into my nimble little boat,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
With this breeze, so gentle,
Oh, how beautiful to be on the ship!
With this breeze, so gentle,
Oh, how beautiful to be on the ship!
Come aboard passengers, come on!
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Come aboard passengers, come on!
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Inside the tents, putting aside supper
On such a quiet evening,
Inside the tents, putting aside supper
On such a quiet evening,
Who wouldn’t demand, who wouldn’t desire?
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Who wouldn’t demand, who wouldn’t desire?
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Sea so calm, the wind so dear,
Forget what makes trouble for the sailor,
Sea so calm, the wind so dear,
Forget what makes trouble for the sailor,
And go shout with merriment,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
And go shout with merriment,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
O sweet Naples, O blessed soil,
Where to smile desired its creation,
O sweet Naples, upon blessed soil,
Where to smile desired its creation,
You are the kingdom of harmony,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
You are the kingdom of harmony,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Now to linger? The evening is beautiful.
A little breeze blows fresh and light.
Now to linger? The evening is beautiful.
A little breeze blows fresh and light.
Come into my nimble little boat,
Saint Lucy! Saint —Lucy!
Come into my nimble little boat,
Saint Lucy! Saint Lucy!
Santa Lucia Song Lyrics (in Italian)
Sul mare luccica l’astro d’argento.
Placida è l’onda, prospero è il vento.
Sul mare luccica l’astro d’argento.
Placida è l’onda, prospero è il vento.
Venite all’agile barchetta mia,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Venite all’agile barchetta mia,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Con questo zeffiro, così soave,
Oh, com’è bello star sulla nave!
Con questo zeffiro, così soave,
Oh, com’è bello star sulla nave!
Su passeggeri, venite via!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Su passeggeri, venite via!
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
In fra le tende, bandir la cena
In una sera così serena,
In fra le tende, bandir la cena
In una sera così serena,
Chi non dimanda, chi non desia?
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Chi non dimanda, chi non desia?
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Mare sì placida, vento sì caro,
Scordar fa i triboli al marinaro,
Mare sì placido, vento sì caro,
Scordar fa i triboli al marinaro,
E va gridando con allegria,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
E va gridando con allegria,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
O dolce Napoli, o suol beato,
Ove sorridere volle il creato,
O dolce Napoli, o suol beato,
Ove sorridere volle il creato,
Tu sei l’impero dell’armonia,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Tu sei l’impero dell’armonia,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Or che tardate? Bella è la sera.
Spira un’auretta fresca e leggera.
Or che tardate? Bella è la sera.
Spira un’auretta fresca e leggera.
Venite all’agile barchetta mia,
Santa Lucia! Santa —Lucia!
Venite all’agile barchetta mia,
Santa Lucia! Santa Lucia!
Santa Lucia Song Lyrics (in Neapolitan)
Comme se frícceca
la luna chiena!
lo mare ride,
ll’aria è serena…
Vuje che facite
‘mmiezo a la via?
Santa Lucia,
Santa Lucia!
(Repeated twice)
Stu viento frisco
fa risciatare:
chi vo’ spassarse
jenno pe mmare?
È pronta e lesta
la varca mia
Santa Lucia,
Santa Lucia!
(Repeated twice)
La tènna è posta
pe’ fa’ ‘na cena;
e quanno stace
la panza chiena
non c’è la mínema
melanconia.
Santa Lucia,
Santa Lucia!
(Repeated twice)
Similar Songs Like Santa Lucia Song Lyrics
Loved the soothing charm of Santa Lucia? These songs carry the same emotional weight and traditional warmth:
- Torna a Surriento: Opening with rich emotions, this song speaks of homesickness and the beauty of Sorrento. Its melody brings comfort and longing together.
- O Sole Mio: A song filled with joy and sunlight, it compares a lover’s face to the brightness of the sun. It’s bold and touching.
- Funiculì Funiculà: This lively tune celebrates a new cable railway in Naples. It mixes humor and melody to create a fun and spirited vibe.
- Core ‘ngrato: Full of sorrow, this song tells of unrequited love. The melody is slow and heavy with emotion, touching hearts with every word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do People Sing it During Winter Festivals Worldwide?
It celebrates light and hope during the darkest winter months.
How do the Lyrics Connect to the Idea of Community?
Singing together brings people closer and spreads joy during celebrations.
What Makes the Melody Suitable for Group Singing?
Its gentle, flowing tune is easy to learn and sing together.
