Core 'Ngrato

Beniamino Gigli's song 'Core 'Ngrato' is a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and unrelenting heartache. The lyrics, sung in Neapolitan dialect, tell the story of a man named Catarì who is tormented by the harsh words and actions of his beloved. The repeated questioning of why she speaks such bitter words and causes him so much pain highlights his deep emotional turmoil. He reminds her of the love he has given her, pleading with her not to forget the heart he has offered.

The song delves deeper into the man's suffering, revealing that he has even sought solace in a church, praying to God and confessing his agony to a priest. This act of seeking divine intervention underscores the depth of his despair and the extent to which he feels betrayed. The priest's advice to let her go, despite being a holy figure, adds a layer of tragic resignation to the narrative. The man's suffering is so profound that it seems beyond belief, encompassing all forms of torment.

The recurring refrain, 'Core, core 'ngrato,' which translates to 'Ungrateful heart,' encapsulates the essence of the song. It conveys the man's sense of betrayal and the feeling that his life has been taken away by the ungratefulness of his beloved. The lament that everything has passed and she no longer cares adds a sense of finality and hopelessness to his plight. Gigli's powerful and emotive delivery of these lyrics amplifies the sorrow and despair, making 'Core 'Ngrato' a timeless expression of the pain of unrequited love and betrayal.