![]() ![]() An ironic line, this recurring refrain, and the rest of the song for that matter, is somewhat nonsensical and plays on racial stereotypes utilized to enhance the humor and relatability of the piece. This galvanizing groove carries the rest of the song and whisks our character back to the streets of New York as Clooney launches into the main refrain of the song singing, “Hey Mambo! Mambo Italiano,” which comically serves to represent the fusing of two dramatically different cultures – that of Cuba and Italy. However, the dreaminess of the opening stanza is immediately interrupted by the stark entrance of uptempo percussion and background vocals. Underscored by a harpsichord, Clooney, an American of Irish descent, delivers the emotional line from the perspective of an Italian girl, “A girl went back to Napoli/Because she missed the scenery…,” establishing a sense of reminiscence and longing for Italy. The song opens up with a dramatic vocal performance sung in rubato time. Arranged by Mitch Miller, the song features backup vocals by “The Mellowmen,” and is produced by Buddy Cole and Paul Weston. Originally written on a paper napkin in a New York restaurant, the song went on to become a hit for Clooney, eventually reaching number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ![]() “Mambo Italiano” is a traditional, tin-pan alley-esque pop song written in 1954 by Bob Merrill for Rosemary Clooney.
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