His single "Here in My Heart" was number one in the first UK Singles Chart, published by the New Musical Express in 1952, putting him into the Guinness Book of World Records. The song stayed there for nine weeks. Al Martino has stated that Mario Lanza dropped his plans to record this song after he called Lanza in Los Angeles and explained that his own recording would be neglected if he did so.
One of the most successful Martino hits was "Spanish Eyes", achieving several gold and platinum discs for sales. Recorded in 1965, the song reached number 5 on the UK Singles Chart when re-issued in 1973. Even today, this classic by composer Bert Kaempfert (his original title for the song was "Moon Over Naples") is among the 50 most-played songs worldwide. Another hit was "Volare", (also known as "Nel blu, Dipinto di Blu"). In 1976, it reached number one on the Italian and Flemish charts, and was in the Top Ten in Spain, The Netherlands and France, as well as in many other European countries.
In the U.S., Martino had eleven top 40 hits in the Billboard pop singles chart in the 1960s and 1970s, with 1963's "I Love You Because" (#3) and 1964's "I Love You More and More Every Day" (#9) both reaching the Top Ten. He also sang the title song for the film, "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" (1964), and is credited in the end titles of the film.
Apart from singing, Martino played the role of Johnny Fontane in the 1972 film The Godfather, as well as singing the film's theme, "Speak Softly Love". He played the same role in The Godfather Part III and The Godfather Trilogy: 1901-1980. He recently returned to acting, playing aging crooner Sal Stevens in the short film "Cutout", appearing in film festivals around the world in 2006.
When an artist is able to combine several important elements -- numerous international hit records, personal charisma, and a unique vocal style -- it inevitably leads to success. Known for such hits as "Spanish Eyes" and "Can't Help Falling in Love" in the 60's, Al Martino was in the midst of beginning his second career, which had already taken off with great momentum in the European market. Since the fall of 1993, Al Martino's songs had flooded the radio and television airwaves in Germany, and he consistently had sold-out concerts throughout the continent.
He continued to play to audiences in his later years around venues in the USA. Sadly he died on the 14th October 2009.
And I Have You My Love
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Could I tell you once again somehow
Have I told, with all my heart and soul how I adore you
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now.
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I'm no good without you anyhow
Dear have I told you lately that I love you
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now.
Have I told you lately that I miss you
When the stars are shinin' in the sky
Have I told you why the nights are long when you're not with me
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I'm no good without you anyhow
Dear have I told you lately that I love you
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now.
Have I told you lately when I'm sleepin'
Every dream I dream is you somehow
Have I told you who I'd like to share my love forever
Well darlin' I'm telling you now
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I'm no good without you anyhow
Dear have I told you lately that I love you
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now.
Al Martino's song, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You," is a romantic ballad that expresses the depth and intensity of the singer's love for his significant other. The song is a plea to be heard and acknowledged, to have the love that is felt reciprocated. The song begins with a series of questions, asking if the singer has expressed his love enough and if he could do it again. The repetition of the question emphasizes the importance of the declaration of love and seeks validation from the other person. He then goes on to declare his love with all his heart and soul and admits that he cannot bear to be without his love.
The second verse continues the theme of the first, asking if the significant other knows how much they are missed and the reason why the nights are so long without them. Once again, the singer asks for confirmation and assurance that he is loved. The third and final verse is where the singer reveals his dreams and aspirations - that he wants to share his love with his significant other forever. The repeated line, "This heart would break in two if you refuse me. I'm no good without you anyhow," emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and need for the other person's love.
Overall, "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You" is a powerful expression of love and the need for validation in a romantic relationship. The song's lyrics instill a sense of longing within the listener as they yearn for the same kind of love that the singer is expressing.
Line by Line Meaning
Have I told you lately that I love you
I am expressing my affection towards you and asking if I have conveyed this sentiment recently.
Could I tell you once again somehow
I am seeking permission to express my love to you again in a way that is meaningful to you.
Have I told, with all my heart and soul, how I adore you
I am asking if I have effectively communicated, with full sincerity, the extent of my fondness for you.
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now
I am indicating that I am about to tell you explicitly and unequivocally that I love you.
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I am communicating that my emotional well-being is at risk if you reject my affection.
I'm no good without you anyhow
I am revealing that I am incomplete and unhappy without your company and love.
Dear have I told you lately that I love you
I am repeating my initial question to prompt further thought and reflection from you.
When the stars are shinin' in the sky
I am describing a specific moment in time when I have a heightened awareness and appreciation of your absence.
Have I told you why the nights are long when you're not with me
I am asking if I have communicated the unyielding longing and loneliness I feel when I am separated from you.
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now
I am signaling that I am about to share my deep feelings of love with you.
Every dream I dream is you somehow
I am expressing that you are constantly on my mind, even when I am sleeping and dreaming.
Have I told you who I'd like to share my love forever
I am reflecting on my strong desire to spend my life loving and cherishing you and asking if I have conveyed this to you before.
Well darlin' I'm telling you now
I am emphasizing that I am finally sharing with you my deepest desire to love and be with you forever.
This heart would break in two if you refuse me
I am underscoring the vulnerability I feel in expressing my feelings and the profound impact your response will have on my emotional well-being.
I'm no good without you anyhow
I am once again communicating that I am incomplete and unhappy without your love.
Dear have I told you lately that I love you
I am repeating my question as a reminder that my love for you is constant and unwavering.
Well darlin' I'm tellin' you now.
I am concluding my expression of love with a strong affirmation of my feelings and a plea for reciprocity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SCOTT WISEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind