"Mamma Maremma" is a song by Italian singer-songwriter Umberto Tozzi. The lyrics tell a story of a nostalgic and emotional journey back to the past, specifically to the summer of 1956 in a place called Maremma, which is a coastal region in Tuscany, Italy. The song begins with the narrator reminiscing about the train that used to run along the beach, but wonders where the summer of '56 has gone. He mentions that Grosseto, a city in Maremma, has now become a metropolis. The repeated question "Mamma Maremma, dove sei?" translates to "Mother Maremma, where are you?", indicating the longing for a lost connection with the past. The narrator then describes the most precious memories of his life, including a mother figure he affectionately calls "Mamma Maremma." He mentions that she wanted him to call her "aunt," but they shared a secret between them. This secret is left ambiguous in the song. The lyrics further depict joyful moments spent in Mamma Maremma's house, enjoying meals together and feeling the warmth of her presence. There is also a mention of the narrator getting into a fight with another child, not knowing that he was the son of a relative of Mamma Maremma. The mother's skirt is described as wiping away tears, indicating her comforting nature. The song takes an emotional turn when the narrator confesses that he left Mamma Maremma behind, causing her to cry in the cloud of dust he left behind. He reveals that he wrote her a letter, but she couldn't read it, and instead, it was the priest who responded on her behalf. This suggests a sense of loss and distance between them. The lyrics then express the narrator's bafflement at the passing of time, as he recalls the scent of lavender in her room and a portrait of him in military uniform. He wonders how time has flown by. The song ends with a plea for Mamma Maremma to eat, as she always believed he was too thin. The closing lines express that she has seven lives and even hell doesn't want her, highlighting the depth of their bond. Overall, "Mamma Maremma" is a heartfelt song that delves into themes of longing, nostalgia, family, and the passing of time.
