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Facts & Stories

Cross-Oceanic Support for Barack Obama’s Bid for the White House

Laura E. Ruberto (September 24, 2008)

Is this just a gimmick to make tourists happy? Does it matter?

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A couple of unnamed gondoliers in Venice have taken a 1958 hit written by Italians Domenico Modugno and Franco Migliacci— “Nel blu dipinto di blu” (more commonly known as “Volare”)—and given it a 2008 U.S. presidential spin.

 
The song has been recorded by over 100 artists, including Connie Francis, Frank Zappa, Dean Martin, Mina, and my favorite, Alex Chilton from Big Star.  
 
This is the pro-Obama gondoliers' version:
 
 
 
 
And here's the original version:
 
 
 
 
How great (and outrageously goofy) to see cross-oceanic support for Barack Obama’s bid for the White House! Am I supposed to be pessimistic and wonder if this was just a gimmick to make tourists happy? Does it matter?

TAGS

2008 elections Barack Obama Connie Francis Dean Martin Domenico Modugno Franco Migliacci Frank Zappa Mina Nel blu dipinto di blu U.S. 2008 presidential elections elections Venice Volare

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On September 25th, 2008 James wrote

I like it, but ...

I wish they had maybe spent a few more minutes with the writing. I mean, for instance, nothing rhymes!

On September 26th, 2008 marie wrote

gondoliers for obama

I gather the message is more important than rhyming, plus some of the most beautiful poems don't rhyme.

On September 25th, 2008 marie wrote

gondoliers for obama

Its genuine, no gimmick. I know them both, Roberto Nardin (singing) and Moreno Mainardi (rowing). They really mean it.