The song “We Speak No Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool is a fascinating illustration of how music can transcend cultural boundaries and illuminate intercultural dynamics. I first encountered this song while at a bar, once in Italy and another time in New York, which sparked a reflection on its deeper meaning.
Originally released in 2010 by an Australian band, the song samples a 1956 Italian track, “Tu Vuo Fa L’Americano,” sung by Renato Carosone in the Neapolitan language. This original piece portrays an Italian longing to embrace American culture, reflecting a post-World War II era where American ideals were glorified in Italy, perhaps as a result of American assistance in defeating fascism and the challenges Italians faced during reconstruction. The lyrics of “Tu Vuo Fa L’Americano” express this sentiment poignantly, with lines like “Tu vuo’ fa’ l’americano, ‘Mericano, mericano, Ma si’ nato in Italy,” translating to “you want to be American, American, American, but you were born in Italy.” “We Speak No Americano” cleverly capitalizes on the romanticization of American culture, remixing the original song into an infectious track that resonates with audiences worldwide despite language barriers.
Expanding on this idea, I find it intriguing how food, another significant aspect of culture, mirrors this cultural exchange. During my travels in Italy, I observed Italians’ fondness for American fast food, exemplified by the excitement surrounding the opening of a KFC in Naples. The irony is palpable—just as Americans cherish Italian cuisine and flock to Italy for its culinary delights, Italians eagerly embrace American fast food. Food is integral to a country’s cultural identity and is a gateway to experiencing and understanding different traditions. For Italians, indulging in American fast food like KFC offers a glimpse into American culture, echoing the fascination with American ideals portrayed in “We Speak No Americano.” Ultimately, both the song and the culinary preferences highlight the allure of American culture in Italy and beyond, bridging different cultures through a shared appreciation for music and food.
