Carolann Solebello: songs

• MP3 play whole song, hi-fi (broadband)

I’ll tell you what I can recall
Remember, I was very small
He died when I was just a little girl
The one thing I remember well
The only tale that I can tell
Is one I learned when I was still in curls

When Papa played the mandolin
Neighbors passing by would listen in
No one had much money then
But everyone was happy when
He played the mandolin

I remember Papa’s wedding ring
Flashing as he made it sing
Old melodies from far across the sea
I didn’t understand the words
But Papa’s voice was like a bird’s
And I knew he was singing just for me

When Papa played the mandolin
So beautifully it danced upon your skin
When he sailed from Italy
I know he did so happily
‘cause he played the mandolin

Times were hard and the nights were cold
Music couldn’t feed the family
He worked night and day
Until he could not play
The angels took him far from me

CHORUS solo

I don’t know where it is today
Mama sold it just to pay
A stack of bills that you would not believe
All I have to give to you
Is this little story, halfway true
But you have a gift that no one else received

Because he played the mandolin
Papa’s voice is everywhere you’ve been
I never knew my Papa well
But he’d be smiling, I can tell
When you play the mandolin