Core `ngrate was written in 1911 for Enrico Caruso. The lyrics were written by Salvatore Cardillo (1874-1947). The melody was composed by Alessandro Sisca, also known as Cordiferro (1875-1940).

Both were Neapolitan immigrants living in New York and writing for Italian newspapers. Sisca had moved there in 1892 with his father. Cardillo arrived in New York in 1903.