"Meraviglioso" (English: “Wonderful”) is one of the most famous songs of the singer and composer Domenico Modugno, also known as “Mr. Volare,” after his masterpiece. In the song “Meraviglioso,” the singer-narrator tells the story of a man in deep despair, about to end his life by throwing himself off a bridge. He gets stopped by an angel with human appearance, who convinces the man not to commit suicide, but just look around instead, to see all the beauty that the world has to offer. Pain and sorrow are part of that, too. The song is therefore a perfect hymn to life and faith. Losing hope has become a larger issue during this pandemic and subsequent shutdown. Like the invisible virus attacking all of us, hopelessness sneaks into the human psyche and does not leave willingly.
Click here to read the song's lyrics in English and in Italian.
At a moment of worldwide uncertainty, nothing matters more than prayer. COVID-19 has disrupted our lives, and as it spreads aggressively yet undetectably, the world is gripped by anxiety, and even fear.
And yet, this has also been a time for us to slow down and think more deeply and prayerfully about the wonders of God’s creation. The ongoing miracle of the world around us can seem so far away and we can end up taking it for granted during normal times.
It is with this purpose in mind that the musical project "Meraviglioso" was envisioned by the acclaimed Italian-American actor and singer Robert Davi and subsequently joined by the Italian-American producer Lee Curreri. The project was produced by Luciano Entertainment and was made possible through the support of The Italian American Podcast, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and Sons of Italy Foundation.
The antidote to hopelessness is an expression of caring and belonging. The current project “Meraviglioso” creates an atmosphere of all-encompassing love, cherishing the beauty of the world, reminding us about the magnificence of God’s creation, including life itself. This project also serves to promote and support collaboration and friendship between Italy and the United States, with Domenico Modugno, well-loved in both countries, serving as a cultural bridge.
The music project consists of the recording of the song “Meraviglioso,” and available in an mp3 format at $1 per download via the Saint Pio Foundation’s website, and the full proceeds of each mp3 sold will be donated to the Saint Pio Foundation.
“As we faced and continue to face so many challenges during these times, I thought that it was just fitting to record this song, which I love very much, that is very uplifting, and to support at the same time the Saint Pio Foundation, which promotes the legacy of Padre Pio, a Saint so dear to me and that cured me though prayer when I was a teenager. Perhaps Padre Pio himself guided me to this song, as it is interesting to note that Modugno first performed it in 1968, the same year Padre Pio left this earth” — Actor and singer Robert Davi.