Clare’s Song       

(words by Loretta Roberto & Jack Mizenko, melody from “Torna a Sorrento”by Ernesto DeCurtis)

1) Before the first World War started,

Before the Spanish flu pandemic,

I was born Clare Andreano

In Rionero Sannitico,

A mountain village in Italia,

Father already in America,

Looking for a better home 

For Mother, Nonna, and me.

2) When I was 5, Father sent for us,

We took a boat across the ocean,

Made our way through Ellis Island,

Then took a train to our new home,

On the edge of Cleveland, Ohio,

Murray Hill, Little Italy.

I always did my best in school,

To learn a language new to me.

3) After graduating high school, 

Met Dan Roberto at a party,

We courted seven years,

Then I became Clare Roberto.

We made a home with seven children,

Taught them love and so much kindness,

Enriched their lives with education, 

Music, and a great love for the arts.

4) I survived the flu pandemic,

Made it through World Wars I and II.

Crossed the ocean to my new home, 

Raised a loving family.

Looking back on 98 years,

Learned love from Mother and Nonna,

Gave it to Dan and all my family, 

That love will always carry on!