About the song
Dean Martin’s “Mambo Italiano” is a timeless classic that embodies the exuberance and charm of mid-20th century popular music. Released in 1954 as part of his album “Dean Martin Sings,” this upbeat track immediately captivated audiences with its infectious rhythm and Martin’s charismatic vocals.
Written by Bob Merrill, “Mambo Italiano” is celebrated for its fusion of mambo—a lively Cuban dance style—with Italian lyrics that evoke a sense of playful nostalgia. The song narrates a lively dance party where everyone joins in the infectious mambo beat, showcasing Martin’s versatile vocal range and his ability to effortlessly blend different musical genres.
Dean Martin, a prominent figure in both music and film during the mid-20th century, was renowned for his smooth voice and laid-back persona. Born Dino Paul Crocetti in 1917, he rose to fame as part of the legendary Rat Pack alongside Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. His career spanned decades, with numerous chart-topping hits and successful films.
“Mambo Italiano” peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Top 100 chart in 1954, solidifying Dean Martin’s reputation as a versatile entertainer capable of bridging cultural influences with mainstream appeal. The song remains a beloved classic, often featured in films, commercials, and cultural retrospectives, showcasing its enduring popularity and cultural impact.
Dean Martin’s rendition of “Mambo Italiano” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, capturing the carefree spirit of post-war America while celebrating the joy of dance and music. Its lively melody and playful lyrics ensure its place as a beloved classic in the annals of popular music history.
Video
Lyrics
A boy went back to Napoli
Because he missed the scenery
The native dances and the charming songs
But wait a minute, something’s wrong
‘Cause now it’s
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Go, go, go you mixed up siciliano
All you calabresi do the mambo like a crazy with a-
Hey mambo, don’t wanna tarantella
Hey mambo, no more mozzarella
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Try an enchilada with the fishy baccalà and then a-
Hey cumpa’, I love a how you dance a rumba
But take a some advice, paesano
Learn-a how to mambo
If you gonna be a square
You ain’t-a gonna go nowhere
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Go, go, Joe, shake like a Giovanno
Hello, che si dice, you getta happy in the feets-a
When you mambo italiano
Hey jadrool, you don’t-a have to go to school
Just make-a with the beat bambino
It’s a like a vino
Kid, you good-a lookin’ but you don’t a-know what’s cookin’ till you
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Hey, mambo, mambo italiano
Oh, oh, oh, you mixed up Siciliano
Hello, che si dice, you getta happy in the pizza
When you mambo italiano