[Intro] [Instrumental, soft strings and sleigh bells] [Spoken - whispered and intimate] Buon Natale... In-a my house... We make-a da feast... [Verse 1] [Deep baritone with heavy Italian accent - measured storytelling] Snow falls tonight On Mulberry Street Mama's in da kitchen Everyt'ing's complete Seven fishes cookin' Red wine on da shelf I care for my family Before I care myself [Brief instrumental, muted trumpet] Da table she is ready Candles burnin' low Genco sent olive oil From Sicily you know My children dey are comin' Grandchildren too Dis is what a man works for His whole life t'rough [Chorus] [Full orchestral backing - warm and anthemic] At-a da tavola di Natale (at the Christmas table) Family she comes first Raise-a your glass To those who love you Dat's the only t'ing with worth Respect and loyalty Dese are my gifts La famiglia è tutto Why we live [Instrumental break, lush strings and brass] [Verse 2] [Reflective and emotional - tender nostalgia] I remember Christmas In da old country Dirt floors / no shoes But we had dignity Now I give my children What I never had But I teach da old ways Like my father and his dad [Pause for trumpet response] When a man comes to me On-a Christmas Eve Asks me for a favor For his family needs I no can refuse him Dis is tradition A daughter's wedding day Any day - I listen [Chorus] At-a da tavola di Natale Family she comes first Raise-a your glass To those who love you Dat's the only t'ing with worth Respect and loyalty Dese are my gifts La famiglia è tutto Why we live [Bridge] [Tempo slows - dramatic with orchestral build] [Spoken over strings] I built dis life Wit' dese two hands [Instrumental, mournful brass] So my children don't scrub floors Don't dig-a da sand Some day I be gone But what I leave behind Is stronger than blood Any tie dat binds [Building back with full orchestra] So tonight we eat We drink / we pray Tomorrow's troubles Dey can wait one more day [Verse 3] [Warm and paternal - pride and love] Santino's got my temper Michael's got my brains Fredo's got-a soft heart Connie got Mama's ways Dey don't understand yet What I done for dem But some day dey will know Why I am who I am [Pause for orchestra] Tom Hagen at my table Like-a my own son When you give respect Loyalty is won So pass da baccalà Pour another glass Dis moment right here Dis is all dat lasts [Final Chorus] [Full power - celebratory and triumphant] At-a da tavola di Natale Family she comes first Raise-a your glass To those who love you Dat's the only t'ing with worth Respect and loyalty Dese are my gifts La famiglia è tutto This is why we live (la famiglia è tutto) At-a da tavola di Natale [Outro] [Instrumental fading, soft strings] [Spoken - soft and fading] Mangia... mangia... Eat my children Dis is what Christmas means... Famiglia... [End]
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