Experience the heartwarming yet comedic 'Catholic Guilt', a powerful musical number sung by Rena's Nonna at a family dinner. This song captures the essence of old-world Italian values where love and judgment intertwine. With a backdrop of family dynamics, it reveals the expectations placed upon Rena and her sister, Gianella, as Nonna expresses a mix of exasperation and affection. A delightful blend of humor and heartfelt emotion, this number dives into the complexities of family love and the weight of tradition. Don't miss the catchy tune reminiscent of 'That's Amore'!
Nonna:
Bless us, O Lord, for these gifts we share,
The women need guidance, they act like they care.
Oh Rena, my girl, your weight's on my mind,
A man should adore you, so sweet and so kind.
Chorus:
(Ah, Catholic guilt, it makes the heart ache,
Each choice that we make, for heaven's sake!)
Rena:
But Nonna, I love him, he looks at me right,
Why can't you just see it's not black and white?
Gianella:
And I love who I love, isn’t that enough?
But you cling to your ways, why can’t you see it's tough?
Nonna:
Oh dear, my daughters, just listen to me,
In this family, tradition will always be key.
Your heart should be loyal, your duty should ring,
When will you two learn your love should take wing?
Chorus:
(Ah, Catholic guilt, it’s heavy as stone,
You thrum with desire, yet never alone.)
Rena:
I’m not perfect, not the girl of your dreams,
Yet my heart races with hope, bursting at the seams.
Gianella:
And who decides whom I should want in my life?
Stop judging my heart, it’s not filled with strife!
Nonna:
I love my boys, they can do no wrong,
While the girls need a man, a voice that is strong.
Bless your father, bless your brothers too,
But I pray for you women, they mean so much to you.
Chorus:
(Ah, Catholic guilt, it hangs in the air,
Teaching us love while giving us despair.)
Rena:
But Cillian sees me, he feels like my muse,
If only my heart could just shake off the blues.
Gianella:
And love is just love, just let us be free,
Your heart is locked tight, can't you see we’re not three?
Nonna:
I only want what’s best, can’t you understand?
You’re both so lovely, you need a good man!
These days are fleeting, my loves, so embrace,
Raise your hearts to heaven; find your true place.
Chorus:
(Ah, Catholic guilt, it pulls at my soul,
But oh, these dear daughters, they make me feel whole.)
(Ah, Catholic guilt, it's heavy yet light,
But family together, we’ll fight this good fight!)
Chords not available
Beat not available
This song is in a musical, and the song is called 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, but they're not singing to Nonna; they are singing their thoughts and feelings for the audience. Nonna is singing this song at a family dinner while saying grace. The song should be her grace. Nothing cheesy.
Old-World Italian