Amy: What Is A Youth by Nino Rota

What is a Youth composed by Nino Rota is most certainly a bittersweet piece that perfectly captures the tragic tale of star crossed lovers.

Originally written for the 1968 Zeffirelli “Romeo and Juliet” film, this work tells the tale of young love and romance while still hinting at the underlying colours of greed and covetousness throughout the Shakespearean classic. With its smooth and soothing tune and melody, it is no wonder that this describes the young romance springing up between Romeo and Juliet. However, although this may seem pleasant and innocent, the underlying characteristics of greed are shown through the lyrics of this piece. The subtle hints of a more nefarious subject can be seen especially through the lyrics of “What is a youth? Impetuous fire. What is a maid? Ice and desire.” These lyrics are directly referencing and warning the viewer that there is so much more behind the seemingly harmless love and they are right indeed. Romeo and Juliet are so full of greed and selfishness to be together that they cause significant damage to everyone around them, including themselves. With brawls that ended in the deaths of their friends and relatives and, because of the desire to be together even killing themselves, they truly demonstrate how greed and selfish wants can lead to a downward spiral.

Lyrics:

What is a youth?

Impetuous fire.

What is a maid?

Ice and desire.

The world wags on

A rose will bloom,

It then will fade

So does a youth.

So does the fairest maid.

Comes a time when one sweet smile

Has it's season for awhile

Then Love's in love with me

Some may think only to marry.

Others will tease and tarry.

Mine is the very best parry,

Cupid he rules us all.

Caper the caper; sing me the song

Death will come soon to hush us along

Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall,

Love is a pastime that never will pall.

Sweeter than honey and bitter as gall,

Cupid he rules us all.

A rose will bloom, it then will fade.

So does a youth.

So does the fairest maid.

I hope you enjoy!

Amy H

#musicforthesoul #shakespeare