Acquolina literally translates to "little water" but is used in the common phrase "venire l'acquolina in bocca" which means "to make one's mouth water" or "to drool".
In the song, Toto Cutugno uses this word to evoke the nostalgic memory of his mother's homemade cakes, singing "Che veniva l'acquolina in bocca" (That made my mouth water). It's a vivid and sensory word that beautifully captures the warmth and comfort associated with a mother's cooking, making it both memorable and relatable.
Toto Cutugno's "Le Mamme" is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere. The song paints a vivid picture of a mother's love from a child's perspective, remembering her as a guardian angel with "two big arms to abandon myself in." The lyrics recall specific, tender moments: how she could understand him without a single word, her comforting presence during a scary thunderstorm, and the sweet words that were like freshly baked cakes. She is a source of immense comfort and safety, a figure so perfect the singer wonders, "Why doesn't this angel fly?"
As the song progresses, it reflects on the universal nature of motherhood. It acknowledges that mothers also have their own lives—they dream, they grow older—but their love for their children is always the most powerful force: "Le mamme si amano / Ma ti amano di più" (Mothers love themselves / But they love you more). The song also touches on the bittersweet feeling of time passing, as mothers watch their children grow up and move away, holding onto memories in front of a photograph. It's a nostalgic and loving ode to the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
Salvatore "Toto" Cutugno (1943-2023) was a celebrated Italian singer-songwriter, musician, and television presenter known worldwide for his iconic song "L'Italiano". Born in Tuscany, he began his musical journey as a drummer and went on to enjoy a prolific career spanning over five decades, selling more than 100 million records globally.
Cutugno won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1990 with his original song "Insieme: 1992", a powerful ballad celebrating European unity. Renowned as "one of the most successful Italian songwriters of all time," he wrote hits for many artists and remains a symbol of Italian melody cherished by fans around the world.