CORLEONE Lyrics (English Translation) – Nathy Peluso

[Vеrѕe 1]
“Тhіs аmbitiоn is killіng me”
І told mу friend Tatiana
Nailed аt thе airport
Vіdeo сall connectiоn (Аh-ah-ah)
I wonder if it’s God
The sunbеаm that comeѕ through the windоw (Ѕtіff!)
Every day at 6 a.m. m. in the morning

[Сhorus]
I smokе а cigarette, сrying and sorrоw, glory and peace
And еven іf I get everуthing, I аlways want morе
І tell money, I tell love, I bruѕh my hair
And I ask thе wаiter fоr a sweet Мartinі to be sеrene (La-la-lа-la)
[Verse 2]
I havе an empire
A bright palаce and a very dеep ѕorrow (Oh-oh-оh)
Listen to me whoevеr wants
Drown out the bitterness that cоmeѕ, І’ll buу you а round
Вaby, I assurе you
If tomоrrow I dіe, I won’t stay calm
І hаve to сlose dealѕ
And lеave the will tо mу sister Sofía

[Verse 1]
The narrator expresses the suffocating burden of their ambition to a friend named Tatiana, perhaps in a moment of vulnerability. Being “nailed at the airport” suggests a feeling of being trapped or immobilized by circumstances, possibly while waiting for something or someone. The mention of a “video call connection” underscores the modern means of communication in their exchange. Wondering if the sunbeam is a divine sign hints at a search for meaning or guidance in the midst of their struggles, which seem to haunt them every morning at 6 a.m.

[Chorus]
Amidst the turmoil of their existence, the narrator finds a moment of respite in the simple act of smoking a cigarette. This act becomes a symbol of their inner conflict, where sorrow and peace coexist. Despite achieving success and acquiring material possessions, the narrator confesses to an insatiable desire for more, whether it be money, love, or personal grooming. Even in their pursuit of serenity through a sweet Martini, there’s an acknowledgment of the persistent longing that echoes in the background.

[Verse 2]
The narrator paints a picture of their grandiose yet melancholic reality, likening their life to an empire and their surroundings to a bright palace. Despite the outward appearance of opulence, there’s a profound inner sorrow that permeates their existence. Offering to drown out the bitterness with drinks for others, they seek temporary relief from their own inner turmoil. However, the urgency to tie up loose ends, including closing deals and preparing a will for their sister Sofia, underscores a deeper awareness of mortality and the need to secure their legacy.

1. “This ambition is killing me”
The narrator expresses the detrimental impact of their relentless ambition on their well-being. This phrase encapsulates the idea that the pursuit of success and achievement can come at a high cost, often leading to emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion. It highlights the conflict between aspiration and personal health, suggesting that the drive for success can sometimes overshadow the importance of self-care and balance.

2. “I smoke a cigarette, crying and sorrow, glory and peace”
Smoking a cigarette becomes a symbolic act representing a complex mix of emotions experienced by the narrator. It’s not merely about the physical act of smoking but also about using it as a coping mechanism to navigate through various emotional states. From sorrow and crying to moments of glory and peace, the cigarette serves as a companion through the ups and downs of life, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human emotions.

3. “I have an empire”
Here, the narrator metaphorically refers to their life or domain as an “empire,” suggesting a realm of influence, power, and control. This phrase conveys a sense of grandiosity and authority, implying that the narrator holds considerable sway over their surroundings or circumstances. It could also denote a significant level of success or achievement in various aspects of life, reflecting confidence and self-assurance.

4. “Drown out the bitterness that comes, I’ll buy you a round”
The narrator offers to alleviate the bitterness or hardships of life by treating others to a drink. This phrase signifies a gesture of camaraderie and solidarity, suggesting a willingness to share burdens and provide support to those in need. By offering to “buy a round,” the narrator implies a sense of generosity and hospitality, indicating a desire to create moments of joy and connection amidst life’s challenges.

5. “If tomorrow I die, I won’t stay calm”
This phrase conveys a sense of urgency and restlessness in the narrator’s demeanor. It suggests that even in the face of mortality, the narrator refuses to remain complacent or resigned. Instead, they express a determination to continue striving, perhaps driven by unfulfilled ambitions or unfinished business. It underscores a relentless pursuit of goals and desires, even in the shadow of mortality, reflecting a refusal to be passive in the face of life’s uncertainties.