This song, by the Sicilian singer Levante, is in praise of diversity, of those who don't just follow the pack. Double meanings, rhymes, and opposites make the lyrics interesting for those learning Italian, whether or not the music is your cup of tea.

This song by the Milanese band is about trying to keep a romantic relationship going. It has had huge success in Italy.

Mina's famous song, "Giorni" [Days] is performed here by Laura Vignes, for the fifth edition of the Festival Nazionale della Canzone D'Autore [National Festival of Songwriters] for young talents.

Laura Sini, a finalist at the 2011 edition of Videofestival Live, sings about having to leave her native Sardinia in order to further her music career. This video was kindly provided by pa74music.

Laura presents her single Non ho mai smesso (I never stopped) in the middle of the Piazza Duomo (Cathedral Square) in Milan.

Biagio Antonacci wrote the song "Vivimi" for Laura Pausini in 2004. "Vivimi" is tricky to translate, as it can mean "share life with me" or "experience me" or "live me."

This song is an ode to the region of Basilicata, also known as Lucania, in the southernmost part of Italy. Some of the lyrics go by very very quickly, which is why it's classified as advanced. Still, the refrain is slower and clearer, so why not give it a whirl, even if you're a beginner!

Khadyha sings her beautiful song “Un bacio è troppo poco” (One Kiss Is Not Enough) for us. Video provided by Mediterraneos Productions.

The "Ninna nanna del chicco di caffè" [Coffee Bean Lullaby] was first performed at a musical festival devoted children's songs, the Zecchino d'Oro, in 1970. It is still sung today by many Italian mothers to lull their babies to sleep.

"Stella Stellina" [Star, little star) is a lullaby which repeats the names of farm animals and lulls children to sleep.

Giuditta sings a song about a beautiful turtle. The song tells about how the turtle ended up being such a slow animal.

Giorgia performs the song "Gocce di memoria" [Drops of Memory]. The artist wrote the lyrics to music by Andrea Guerra. It was featured in the 2003 film "Facing Windows" by the director Ferzan Ozpetek.

"È l'amore che conta" [It's Love that Counts] is Giorgia's second single. Venice is the backdrop for the video.

The dramatic song "Vado Avanti" [I go on] by Gioia Marconi describes a girl who's deluded by love and who doesn't see any future. Her hopelessness is overcome, though, by the will to go on. Video provided by PA 74 Music.

A live performance by Gianna Nannini singing the compelling hit, “Meravigliosa Creatura.”