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“Funiculi, Funicula” is a cheerful and energetic nursery rhyme that instantly captures children’s attention with its bouncy rhythm and playful melody. The song feels joyful and musical, making little ones want to clap, sway, and sing along even if they don’t understand every word at first. Kids enjoy this rhyme because it sounds happy, repetitive, and exciting, which makes it easy to remember and fun to repeat. For parents and teachers, it’s a lovely way to introduce children to music from another culture while supporting early learning. Singing this rhyme helps develop listening skills, rhythm awareness, and memory. It also encourages confidence as children try new sounds and words. Overall, it’s a delightful musical experience that blends fun, movement, and learning in a natural way.
Funiculi, Funicula Song Lyrics
Below are the well-known Funiculi, Funicula words, shared as a lively traditional rhyme that children enjoy singing and listening to.
I climbed up high this evening, oh, Nanetta,
Do you know where? Do you know where?
Where this ungrateful heart
No longer pains me! No longer pains me!
Where fire burns, but if you run away,
It lets you be, it lets you be!
It doesn’t follow after or torment you
Just with a look, just with a look.
(Chorus)
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Funiculi, funicula, funiculi, funicula!
To the top we’ll go, funiculi, funicula!
Let’s go from here below up to the mountain,
A step away! A step away!
You can see France, Procida, and Spain,
And I see you! And I see you!
You rise, pulled by a cable, quick as a wink,
Into the sky! Into the sky!
We’ll rise up like a whirlwind all of a sudden
Knows how to do! Knows how to do!
(Chorus)
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Funiculi, funicula, funiculi, funicula!
To the top we’ll go, funiculi, funicula!
The car has climbed up high, see, climbed up high now,
Right to the top! Right to the top!
It went, and turned around, and came back down,
And now it’s stopped! And now it’s stopped!
The top is turning round, and round, and round,
Around yourself! Around yourself!
My heart is singing the same refrain:
We should be wed! We should be wed!
(Chorus)
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Let’s go, let’s go! To the top we’ll go!
Funiculi, funicula, funiculi, funicula!
To the top we’ll go, funiculi, funicula!
Other Versions of the Funiculi, Funicula Song
This rhyme has been adapted in a few child-friendly and musical styles over the years.
1. Original Italian Version
This is the traditional Italian version of the rhyme, keeping the original words and musical spirit.
Jammo, jammo ’ncoppa, jammo ja’,
Jammo, jammo ’ncoppa, jammo ja’!
Funiculì, funiculà,
Funiculì, funiculà!
’Ncopp’ ’o monte ’sta ’ncuollo,
Jammo ja’, jammo ja’!
’Ncopp’ ’o monte ’sta ’ncuollo,
Jammo ja’, jammo ja’!
Funiculì, funiculà,
Funiculì, funiculà!
2. Children’s Action Song Version
This playful version is sung slowly with actions so children can move along easily.
Funiculi, funicula,
(clap your hands, clap your hands)
Funiculi, funicula,
(march around, march around)
Funiculi, funicula,
(spin and smile)
Funiculi, funicula,
Ah!
Gestures – How to Teach Funiculi, Funicula to Kids
This rhyme becomes even more enjoyable when simple actions are added to match the upbeat tune. Try these easy, movement-based gestures with children.
- Encourage children to sway side to side gently as the song begins to help them feel the rhythm.
- Ask kids to clap their hands softly on repeated words to build a sense of musical timing.
- Use upward arm movements to show excitement when the tune becomes lively and loud.
- Let children march in place to match the energetic beat and keep their bodies active.
- Add spinning or turning motions during repeated lines to make the song playful.
- End with a big smile and raised hands to celebrate finishing the rhyme together.
History & Quick Facts
“Funiculi, Funicula” originated in Italy and was written in 1880 by Luigi Denza, with lyrics by Peppino Turco. The song was created to celebrate the opening of the first funicular railway on Mount Vesuvius, which carried people up the volcano. It quickly became popular because of its catchy melody and joyful feel. Over time, the tune spread beyond Italy and was translated and adapted into many languages. Today, it is widely recognized as a classic song often introduced to children as a fun, musical rhyme.
Interesting Facts
- The song was originally written in Italian but is now known all over the world.
- Its melody is so catchy that many people recognize it even without knowing the name.
- The tune has appeared in cartoons, movies, and children’s music collections.
- “Funiculi” refers to the funicular railway, which was new and exciting at the time.
- The rhyme is often used to introduce kids to classical and cultural music.
- Many children enjoy it simply for its happy sounds and energetic rhythm.
Suitable Age & Learnings
This rhyme is best suited for children aged 3 to 7 years, when they are developing listening and musical skills. It supports learning through sound, movement, and repetition in a joyful way.
- Children improve rhythm and beat recognition by listening and moving along with the tune.
- Singing along helps build memory and recall through repeated verses.
- Kids learn to enjoy music from different cultures, encouraging curiosity and openness.
- The rhyme supports language development by exposing children to new words and sounds.
- Group singing helps build confidence and social interaction skills.
- Movement-based singing supports coordination and gross motor development.
FAQs
1. What is the rhyming scheme of Funiculi, Funicula?
The verses generally follow an AABB pattern, where two consecutive lines rhyme with each other, helping build predictability and rhythm.
2. Why is Funiculi, Funicula popular in children’s music?
Its lively tune, repetition, and joyful mood make it easy and fun for children to enjoy.
“Funiculi, Funicula” is a joyful nursery rhyme that brings music, movement, and cultural learning together in a simple way. Its upbeat tune naturally invites children to sing, clap, and move along with excitement. Parents and teachers appreciate how easily it engages young learners without feeling complicated. The rhyme also introduces kids to the idea that music can come from different places and times. With simple gestures and repeated listening, children quickly grow familiar with the song. Overall, it remains a timeless and happy rhyme that turns learning into a fun musical experience.
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