The song is a humorous dialogue between a mother and daughter. The daughter, captivated by the "moon in the middle of the sea," tells her mother she is ready to marry. The verses cycle through various tradesmen as potential suitors, each described with bawdy double entendres: References to his "sausage." The Fisherman: Mentions of his "fish."
Monte added the "Lazy Mary" English intro, which actually comes from a separate nursery rhyme tune. Origins and Heritage Lou Monte - Che La Luna Mezzo Mare
Monte’s version specifically mentions the fireman holding his "rifle" (a departure from traditional "hose" versions) or a "pump" . The song is a humorous dialogue between a