The inspiration for this song is the long biography, "Toscanini: Musician of Conscience" by Harvey Sachs. The song tells the story (in a much shorter form) of Arturo Toscanini's relationship with Mussolini, which resulted in his having to leave Italy. In thinking about the idea, I noticed that "Toscanini" and "Mussolini" rhyme with each other and with lots of other words, so I pushed the rhymes for all they're worth.

A great conductor rose to fame. From Parma in the north he came. In opera he made his name With Verdi and Puccini. Stepped in conducting at nineteen, His manner gruff, his memory keen, And everywhere his name was seen: Arturo Toscanini.

A man had come to power in Rome, A man whose face was steel and chrome. His chin was strong, his mouth would foam, Although his brain was teeny. The old king let him have his way, And people listened when he'd say That all Italians must obey Benito Mussolini.

At first Arturo was a fan. He thought Benito had a plan As if he were the sort who can Grant wishes like a genie. But Toscanini was no fool, And soon refused to be a tool For any kind of one-man rule Beneath a vicious meanie.

The "Giovinezza" he refused, Although he knew he'd be abused. But finding an escape, he mused, Required a Houdini. Benito knew just what to do. He let his tough black-shirted crew Gang up to pound Arturo to Conductor scallopini.

At last Arturo could not stay, And to New York he went away. In many halls they'd hear him play Beethoven and Rossini. In sound recordings he'd appear So all with phonographs could hear. His exile went on till the year There was no Mussolini.

He would not play the tyrant's game And lend an evil cause his name Or mute his voice in fear and shame Like fiddles con sordini. His courage he would never hide As he stood up for freedom's side, So he could speak his name with pride: Arturo Toscanini!