Villa Palagonia | Rhythms & Roots | Marco the Barber

By Allison Scola

Musicians

Allison Scola, vocals, clarinet
Joe Ravo, guitar
John T. LaBarbera, mandolin
Rob Curto, accordion
Mark Verdino, electric bass
Dave Mancuso, percussion

Verse I

Marco the barber cut Wall Streeter’s hair
In his shop on East 81st Street
Monday to Saturday dawn until dusk
He snipped away

He’d arrived without papers in late ’fifty-two
Leaving his war-torn homeland
“I will return,” he told his sisters
Then sailed away

Chorus I

For an American life: a house filled with children
A beautiful wife who loves him
He’d work everyday to make a good living
And return someday, return to Sicilia

Verse II

Marco met Rosa through the priest at his church
They married just a year later
They bought a small home
And each day he drove to the city

His kids went to school while he trimmed and shaved
Customers looking for service
He’d clean them up nice
And send them away better men

Chorus II

An American life: a house filled with children
A beautiful wife who loves him
As each year flew by, he worked for their living
Yet his dream never died – his dream of Sicilia