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've Got You Under My Skin
Al Martino Lyrics
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I've got you deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart, that you're really a part of me
I've got you under my skin
I've tried so not to give in
I've said to myself this affair never will go so well
But why should I try to resist, when baby will I know so well
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, repeats in my ear
Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
But each time I do, just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
'Cause I've got you under my skin
The lyrics of "I've Got You Under My Skin" by Al Martino, written by Cole Porter in 1936, convey a deep longing and desire for someone that the singer simply cannot resist. The phrase "under my skin" is used to describe this person's impact on the singer, as if they are a part of them. The lyrics suggest that the singer has tried to resist this person but cannot, and that they are willing to sacrifice anything to be with them.
The song's repeated phrase "Don't you know you fool, you never can win, use your mentality, wake up to reality" is a powerful reminder to the singer that their love for this person is not practical, and that they need to come to terms with that fact. However, despite this warning, the singer cannot help but be drawn to this person every time they think of them.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got you under my skin
You have become a part of me and I cannot get you out of my mind.
I've got you deep in the heart of me
You are deeply embedded in my heart and I cannot let go of you.
So deep in my heart, that you're really a part of me
Your presence in my heart is intertwined with my being and I cannot separate myself from it.
I've tried so not to give in
I have attempted to resist the pull of your presence in my life.
I've said to myself this affair never will go so well
I have told myself that our relationship will not work out in the long run.
But why should I try to resist, when baby will I know so well
However, I cannot resist you because I know you so well and I am drawn to you.
That I've got you under my skin
Your presence is so strong that I cannot let go of you.
I'd sacrifice anything come what might
I am willing to give up anything, no matter what the cost is, to be close to you.
For the sake of having you near
I want to be close to you, and I will do anything to achieve that.
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
Despite my inner voice warning me about the cost, I am still drawn to you.
And repeats, repeats in my ear
It continuously reminds me of the possible negative consequences of continuing our relationship.
Don't you know you fool, you never can win
My inner voice reminds me that I am foolish to pursue you as nothing good will come of it.
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
I should use my reason and have a clearer perception of the situation.
But each time I do, just the thought of you
However, whenever I try to use my intellect, the thought of you overrides my reasoning.
Makes me stop before I begin
The thought of you stops me from following my reasoning and doing what is right for me.
'Cause I've got you under my skin
Your presence has become so potent and overwhelming that there is no escape from it.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind