Un bel di vedre

This is one of my Sunday drive songs.  When I was little I would get mad at my dad for playing Opera because it is so uncool, but secretly I loved it.  This one especially is one that I am in love with.  I was supposed to go see this opera, "Madama Butterfly" at the Lincoln Center in NY a couple years ago, but our plans fell though.  

The story is beautiful and frustrating at the same time.  It is about an American navy man who falls in love with Japanese woman.  I won't try and tell the whole story in fear of ruining it, but this tragically beautiful song is sung in the second act by the Japanese woman as she eagerly awaits her love to return to her.  Enjoy! (p.s. I added the translation below as well) 

English Translation of "Un bel di, vedremo"

One good day, we will see

Arising a strand of smoke

Over the far horizon on the sea

And then the ship appears

And then the ship is white

It enters into the port, it rumbles its salute.

Do you see it? He is coming!

I don't go down to meet him, not I.

I stay upon the edge of the hill

And I wait a long time

but I do not grow weary of the long wait. 

And leaving from the crowded city,

A man, a little speck

Climbing the hill.

Who is it? Who is it?

And as he arrives

What will he say? What will he say?

He will call Butterfly from the distance

I without answering

Stay hidden

A little to tease him,

A little as to not die.

At the first meeting,

And then a little troubled

He will call, he will call

"Little one, dear wife

Blossom of orange"

The names he called me at his last coming.

All this will happen,

I promise you this

Hold back your fears -

I with secure faith wait for him.