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.
I'll Be Home for Christmas
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even more then I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you
I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams
The song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" by Al Martino is a melancholic tune that captures the longing emotions of those who cannot be with their loved ones during the holiday season. The lyrics of the song express a deep yearning to return home for Christmas. The opening lines of the song, "I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love, even more than I usually do," evoke a sense of nostalgia and the memory of a familiar place. The singer acknowledges that although the journey back home may be long, they promise to make it back in time for Christmas. The sentiment of the opening verse is reinforced by the chorus, "I'll be home for Christmas, you can count on me." This line provides a sense of reassurance, a message to loved ones left behind that they will make it back home.
Al Martino's song emphasizes the theme of love during the Christmas season. The image of snow, mistletoe, and presents under the tree provides a sense of warmth and a reminder of the joy of the holiday season. The line "Christmas Eve will find me where the love light beams" reinforces the idea that the ultimate goal of being home for Christmas is to be surrounded by loved ones. However, the final line "If only in my dreams" reveals a deep sense of sadness and loss. The singer acknowledges that being home may not be possible at the moment, but the hope is there that they may return one day.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
I am lost in thoughts of a place I deeply adore
Even more then I usually do
More than my typical level of bygone reminiscence
And although I know it's a long road back
Despite the knowledge of a journey that requires significant time
I promise you
I hereby pledge
I'll be home for Christmas
I will return for the holiday season
You can count on me
You may trust and depend on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
Kindly ensure the presence of snow and the merry decoration of mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Combined with wrapped goods beneath the evergreen's branches
Christmas Eve will find me
On the eve of Christmas, I shall be present
Where the love light beams
In a location illuminated by the radiance of love
I'll be home for Christmas
I shall arrive at my abode in time for the festive season
If only in my dreams
Even if it materializes exclusively in my reveries
Lyrics © GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buck Ram, Walter Kent, Kim Gannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind