This exuberant song has long been a favorite with tenors, particularly Italian tenors, such as Gigli and Pavarotti. The melody is easy and lyrical, and the mood is sunny. The song's quick pace keeps it from becoming maudlin, and the obvious, simple rhymes from seeming too trite, though any artificiality on the part of the singer can make the song an exercise in sentimentality, rather than simplicity.

"Mamma, I am so happy, because I'm back with you. My song tells you that this is the most beautiful day for me. Mamma, I am so happy, why should I ever live far away? Mamma, my song flies only for you. Mamma, you'll be with me, you won't be alone any longer. How I love you! These loving words that my heart sighs for you perhaps aren't fashionable any longer, Mamma, but you are my most beautiful song. You are life, and I'll never leave you again in my life." The song slows a little from the almost rushed mood of the opening, "I feel your tired hand feeling for my golden curls. I listen, and your voice can no longer sing the old lullabyes. Today I want to hold your white head to my heart!" The refrain repeats with the "Mamma, my song flies only for you, " and the song ends on an exuberant high note, "You are life, and I'll never leave you again in my life...Mamma, never again!"

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