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.
Dear Heart
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My dear heart, seems like a year since you've been out of my sight
A single room, a table for one
It's a lonesome town all right
But soon I'll kiss you hello at our front door
And dear heart I want you to know
I'll leave your arms never more
It's a lonesome town all right
But soon I'll kiss you hello at our front door
And dear heart I want you to know
I'll leave your arms never more
The lyrics to Al Martino's "Dear Heart" convey the longing of someone who is separated from the person they love. The idea that a "single room" and a "table for one" signify a lonely existence is a common trope in romance songs, and one that is certainly present here. The singer's "dear heart" is far away, and the loneliness is palpable. The use of the word "seems" in the second line suggests that the separation has been longer than the singer can bear.
However, the song is not completely melancholy. The singer believes that they will be reunited soon, and that the meeting will be joyful. The thought of seeing their dear heart again is clearly a beacon of hope in the dark night. The final lines of the song express a promise to never leave the beloved's arms again, underscoring the depth of their love.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dear Heart" convey the bittersweet nature of love, with the pain of separation and the joy of reunion both being present in equal measure.
Line by Line Meaning
Dear heart wish you were here to warm this night
I wish you were here with me to make this cold night warm, dear heart.
My dear heart, seems like a year since you've been out of my sight
It feels like a year since I last saw you, my dear heart.
A single room, a table for one
I'm all alone in this room, with only a table for one person.
It's a lonesome town all right
This town is really lonely.
But soon I'll kiss you hello at our front door
But I'll soon be able to kiss you when I see you again at our front door.
And dear heart I want you to know
And my dear heart, I want you to understand that
I'll leave your arms never more
I'll never leave your arms again.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HENRY N. MANCINI, JAY LIVINGSTON, RAY EVANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind