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25 Jun

2018

“Cipolla” The Song

Posted by Stuart Chessman 

Yesterday at Fr. Cipolla’s retirement reception, we were entertained by a group of young singers in the parish, organized by Monica Haffey.  A special song was composed for the occasion.  We are grateful to Monica for providing the lyrics.

“Cipolla”

Sung to the tune “How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria” from The Sound of Music

He loves to cook and read a book

His cassock’s worn with care.

He waltzes on his way to Mass and whistles on the stair.

And underneath his biretta he has finely combed his hair.

I’ve even heard him singing in the rec’try.

 

He’s always late for chapel, though his sermons filled with zeal

He’s always late for everything, except for every meal.

We’re proud to have to say it and we very firmly feel Cipolla has a way around St. Mary’s.

 

How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?

How do you stop his tears from running down?

How do you find a word that means Cipolla?

A traditionalist, a great homilist, a clown!

 

Many a thing you know we’d like to ask him.

Many a thing he knows and understands. Like,

How do you cook so well and turn what’s bland to swell?

How did you pick an oyster ov’r a clam?

 

How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?

How do you let him know that he’s so grand?

 

When we’re with him we’re amused, talking latin, eating food

And we always end up arguing all night.

Unpredictable as weather, his opinion’s always better.

He’s a darling! He’s demanding! He’s a lamb!

 

He out pestered any pest, to make the rood beam look it’s best

He’d say mass at any altar facing east.

He is gentle! He is wild! He’s a riddle! He’s a child!

He’s a headache! He’s an angel! He’s a priest!

 

How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?

How do you stop his tears from running down?

How do you find a word that means Cipolla?

A traditionalist, a great homilist, a clown!

 

Many a thing you know we’d like to ask him.

Many a thing he knows and understands.

How do you cook so well and turn what’s bland to swell?

How did you pick an oyster over a clam?

 

How do you solve a problem like Cipolla?

How do you let him know that he’s so grand?

Published in Uncategorized

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