"Il Canto dei Sanfedisti" - Cover by Jack Wale

"Il Canto dei Sanfedisti" is a Neapolitan Folk Song which was born out of the turbulent year 1799, when the Kingdom of Naples was briefly overthrown by invading French revolutionary forces and replaced with the failed and short lived Parthenopean Republic. Sung by the Sanfedisti, "the Soldiers of the Holy Faith", this piece represents the voice of the common people and clergy in southern Italy who were lead by Cardinal Fabrizio Ruffo and rose up in armed resistance against the French armies to restore the monarchy, and to defend themselves against social upheaval, Jacobin atheism, and foreign occupation. This song, which is rich in satire and contemporary idiomatic expression, celebrates the uprising of the 'populo bascio' and mocks the republican elite who had attempted to impose enlightenment ideals upon a catholic society. The verses of this piece recounts the major events and sentiments of the Neapolitan Counter-Revolution of 1799. Behind the lyrical humour lies a serious reflection on loyalty, faith and cultural resistance. Despite it's modern popularity, this song was originally composed anonymously in the wake of Sanfedisti victory, and has survived through oral tradition and writing. Furthermore, it remains a rare window into the vernacular culture of early 18th century southern Italy, and stands out not only as a historical document of popular royalism and anti-revolutionary attitude, but as a folk anthem of resistance. Thank you for watching my cover of this song, and my apologies for the delay in creating new music! Please forgive any mistakes in pronunciation or the written translation as parts of the English translation have been modified to keep meaning. I hope you enjoy!