L'Americano (The Gypsy Queens)

"L'Americano" is a popular Italian song, most famously performed by the vocal group The Gypsy Queens. The song, originally titled "Tu vuò fa' l'americano," was written in 1956 by Renato Carosone (music) and Nicola Salerno (lyrics). The Gypsy Queens' rendition, a cover version released significantly later, brought the song to renewed international attention and popularity.

The song is a humorous observation of the post-World War II phenomenon of Italians imitating American culture and lifestyle, particularly that of American tourists. The lyrics depict a young man in Naples who pretends to be an American, consuming American products like cigarettes and whiskey, and engaging in American-influenced behaviors, despite lacking the financial means to genuinely live that lifestyle. The lyrics playfully question the authenticity of his "American" persona.

The Gypsy Queens' version maintains the upbeat, joyful tempo of the original while often incorporating their signature vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation. Their performances often feature multiple vocalists and lively instrumentation, contributing to the song's upbeat and celebratory feel. The song has become a staple of their live performances and is widely associated with their musical style.