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Dottoré!

The Geopolitical Relevance Of Misheard Sting Lyrics

"There is no Napoli on common sense?”

The Geopolitical Relevance Of Misheard Sting Lyrics

“Dottoré, I’ve made you something!”

A&M Records/Photofunia/Worldcrunch
Mariateresa Fichele

As a child, I learned English by listening to Sting’s songs and translating them. I remember being mesmerized by his voice and I also loved how clearly he would pronounce the words, which made it easy for me to understand.

That’s why I was amazed, to say the least, when Stefano told me:

“Dottoré, have I told you that I’m studying English and I learned to sing a Sting song?”

“Really?! What song did you learn?”

“That anti-war song about Napoli!”

“And what song is that? I don't think I know it!”

“What do you mean you don’t know it? The one that says that Russians love their children!!!”

“You mean “Russians”? But it doesn’t mention Naples!”

“Yes it does, I wrote it down! It says: There is no Napoli on common sense.”

“No, no! The right lyrics are: There is no monopoly on common sense / On either side of the political fence.”

"Well I liked my own version better. It was a little more poetic.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning that, unfortunately, common sense among politicians is not like in Naples. We can make war between adults, but the kids should not be touched — whether they’re Neapolitan, Russian or American.

“Stefano, what can I tell you. It may well be that deep down, you are right. Maybe we’ll find that when Sting wrote What might save us me and you. Is if the Russians love their children too, he was thinking of Mario Merola’s famous E figli so piezz'e core… (‘Children are pieces of your heart’).”

____________________________

Learn more about Worldcrunch's exclusive Dottoré! series here.

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Italy

The Benefits Of "Buongiorno"

Our Naples-based psychiatrist reflects on her morning walk to work, as she passes by people who simply want to see a friendly smile.

A woman looks down from her balcony in Naples

Ciro Pipoli/Instagram
Mariateresa Fichele

In Naples, lonely people leave their homes early in the morning. You can tell they're lonely by the look in their eyes. Mostly men, often walking a dog, typically mixed breeds that look as scruffy as their owners. You see them heading to the coffee bar, chatting with the newsstand owner, buying cigarettes, timidly interacting with each another.

This morning as I was going to work, I tried to put myself in their shoes. I woke up tired and moody, but as soon as I left the building, I felt compelled, like every day, to say to dozens of "buongiorno!" (good morning!) and smile in return just as many times.

Keep reading...Show less
Support Worldcrunch
We are grateful for reader support to continue our unique mission of delivering in English the best international journalism, regardless of language or geography. Click here to contribute whatever you can. Merci!
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