Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S, Al Caiola was a studio musician in the 1950s in New York City. He released some minor records under his own name in that decade. In addition, he performed under the musical direction of John Serry Sr. on an album for Dot Records in 1956 (Squeeze Play).
In 1960 he became a recording star on the United Artists label for over ten years. He had hits in 1961 with "The Magnificent Seven" and "Bonanza". His guitar style was inspired by Duane Eddy. The arrangements were typically by Don Costa, using a large orchestral backing. Caiola continuously released singles and albums throughout the 1960s and beyond, though no others appeared on the charts except for an entry in 1964 with "From Russia with Love". United Artists used him to make commercial recordings of many movie and TV themes: "Wagon Train (Wagons Ho)", "The Ballad of Paladin", "The Rebel", and "Gunslinger". His album Solid Gold Guitar contained arrangements of "Jezebel", "Two Guitars", "Big Guitar", "I Walk the Line", and "Guitar Boogie".
The Magnificent Seven album, other than the title track, consisted of a variety of pop songs with a jazzy bent. Guitars Guitars Guitars was similar. There was a wide variety to his albums — soft pop, Italian, Hawaiian, country, jazz. In the early 1970s he continued on the Avalanche Recordings label, producing similar work including the album Theme From the 'Magnificent 7 Ride' '73. Later, on other labels, came some ethnic-themed instrumental albums such as In a Spanish Mood in 1982, and Italian instrumentals. In 1976, Caiola accompanied Sergio Franchi, Dana Valery, and Wayne J. Kirby (Franchi's musical director) on a concert tour to Johannesburg, South Africa.
Caiola died in November 2016 at the age of 96.
From Russia With Love
Al Caiola Lyrics
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Much wiser since my goodbye to you
I've travelled the world to learn
I must return
From Russia with love
I've seen places, faces
And smile for a moment
Still, my tongue tied young bride
Would not let my love for you show
In case you'd say "No"
To Russia I flew but there and then
I suddenly knew you'd care again
My running around is through
I'd fly to you
From Russia with love
The lyrics to Al Caiola's song "From Russia with Love" depict the journey of an individual who has traveled the world, only to realize that they still yearn for their love in Russia. The song's opening lines indicate that this person has become wiser since their goodbye and has gone on to see new places, faces, and experiences. Despite encountering these firsthand accounts, they still feel drawn to their love in Russia.
The following lines touch upon the bittersweet nature of their relationship, with the singer knowing well enough that confessing their love could potentially be met with a "No." This suggests that there may have been some difficulties or obstacles when it comes to their relationship, underscoring the complicated nature of love. However, the singer eventually takes the leap of faith and flies back to Russia, with the confidence that their love will reciprocate.
Line by Line Meaning
From Russia with love, I fly to you
I am coming to you from Russia, bringing my love with me
Much wiser since my goodbye to you
Since I last left you, I have gained much wisdom
I've travelled the world to learn
I have journeyed all around the world to gain knowledge
I must return
I feel compelled to come back to you
From Russia with love
I am expressing my love for you which originates from Russia
I've seen places, faces
I have been to various places and met many people
And smile for a moment
I may have smiled, but only for a brief moment
But, oh, you haunted me so
You were always on my mind, haunting my thoughts
Still, my tongue tied young bride
Despite my hesitation and nervousness, I am still your committed lover
Would not let my love for you show
I kept my love for you hidden, in fear that you may reject it
In case you'd say "No"
I was afraid you may refuse my love
To Russia I flew but there and then
I travelled to Russia, where in that moment
I suddenly knew you'd care again
I realized that you still loved me
My running around is through
I am done running around and now focused on you
I'd fly to you
I would get on a plane and come to you
From Russia with love
I am reiterating my love for you, which comes all the way from Russia
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind