A heartfelt and humorous ode to the struggles of family expectations and cultural pressures, 'Catholic Guilt' captures the essence of an old-world Italian nonna’s perspective on love, life, and the weight of tradition. In this musical number, Nonna channels her judgmental nature with a blend of affection and sarcasm, while Rena and Gia reflect on their own challenges in love and identity. The song combines vintage Italian melodies with poignant lyrics about the ups and downs of modern relationships in a traditional family setting.
Nonna:
When the sun is shining bright,
And the pasta's cooking right,
But oh, dear, what have you done?
Rena:
Nonna, please, I’m just finding my way,
The heart is heavy, every single day,
Nonna:
Aye, Rena, you must understand,
A good girl waits for a strong man’s hand.
Gia:
But Nonna, love can take many forms,
Can’t you see, that my heart it warms?
Nonna:
Oh, too much love will lead to sins,
You both are hopeless, where do I begin?
Chorus:
That’s the way, oh, that’s amore,
When I scold you two, oh, don’t ignore me.
With the men in our lives, they can do no wrong,
But you girls are lost, where you belong!
Rena:
But Nonna, I just want to be free,
Not tied to guilt or your history.
Nonna:
History’s a lesson for lives like yours,
You think love’s easy, it’s full of wars.
Gia:
We’re just living, can’t you let us be?
Nonna:
Oh, if only you’d listen to me!
Chorus:
That’s the way, oh, that’s amore,
When I scold you two, oh, don’t ignore me.
With the men in our lives, they can do no wrong,
But you girls are lost, where you belong!
Nonna:
Look at your brothers, they’re blessed and renowned,
While you two sit here, nowhere to be found.
Rena:
But Cillian cares for me too,
Nonna, can’t you see it’s true?
Nonna:
Oh, my sweet girl, still playing games,
When you said 'friend', he deserved much more fame!
Gia:
So what if I like a girl, what’s the crime?
Nonna:
Oh, my little bird, you’ll change with time.
Chorus:
That’s the way, oh, that’s amore,
When I scold you two, oh, don’t ignore me.
With the men in our lives, they can do no wrong,
But you girls are lost, where you belong!
Nonna:
So here’s my heart, it’s wrapped in care,
You’ll find your way, with much despair.
You’ll make me proud, just wait and see,
With my blessing, you’ll both be free.
Chorus:
That’s the way, oh, that’s amore,
When I scold you two, oh, don’t ignore me.
With the men in our lives, they can do no wrong,
But you girls are lost, where you belong!
Nonna: (gentler)
Oh, my darlings, I want what I think’s best,
But life’s your own, just let me rest.
Rena & Gia:
We’ll find our love, not by your decree,
But we cherish the lessons, that’s family.
Nonna:
Then off you go, my lovelies, fly,
Know that Nonna holds you high!
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This song is in a musical, and the song is about Catholic Guilt. It is sung by Rena's Nonna, an Italian immigrant who is very religious and very judgmental, like most old-world Italian nonnas. Rena is a plus-size woman and is still single. Rena's younger sister, Gianella (goes by "Gia"), is also single, but she is lesbian. Nonna thinks this is just a phase and Gia will bring home a man someday. Rena is in love with her best friend, Cillian, and he is in love with her too, but neither knows it. Nonna really wants Cillian and Rena to end up together. The song is about Nonna making Rena and Gia feel guilty for things in life. She's incredibly judgemental and has a strong opinion about everything, but usually only directed at the women. Just like most old-world Italian Nonnas, she has a soft spot for the men in her life (Rena's dad, Rena's 3 brothers, and Cillian). The men can do no wrong. She gives back-handed compliments. Do not include names in the song. The song should sound similar to "That's Amore" and has an old-world Italian feel to it. Rena and Gia should also sing in this song.
Old-World Italian