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.
It Had To Be You
Al Martino Lyrics
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Why must I just give you your way?
Why do I sigh?
Why do I try to forget?
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
Kept on saying I had to wait
I saw them all
It had to be you, it had to be you
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
For nobody else gave me a thrill
With all your faults, I love you still
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
These lyrics are from a classic love song by Al Martino called "It Had to Be You." The song is a romantic tribute to the idea of fate and destiny bringing two people together in love. The lyrics express the singer's subservience to their lover's wishes, asking why they always have to give in and try to forget their own desires. But then, the notion of fate is introduced, suggesting that something beyond their control is responsible for their meeting and falling in love. This idea is bolstered by the line "It must have been that something lovers call 'Fate,'" implying that there is a force greater than themselves that is responsible for their relationship. The rest of the lyrics express the singer's love for their partner, highlighting their faults but still loving them despite these imperfections. The song concludes by affirming that the singer's partner is their perfect match, the one person who could make them "be true" and "be blue" and even enjoy it.
Interestingly, "It Had to Be You" has a somewhat convoluted history with several different claimants to its authorship. The song was originally written in 1924 by Isham Jones and Gus Kahn and was a hit for Jones' band. However, over the years, several other songwriters have also claimed credit for writing the song, including composer Victor Young and lyricist Lorenz Hart. In addition, the song has been covered by countless artists over the years, including Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Rod Stewart.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I do just as you say?
I follow your commands without any objections.
Why must I just give you your way?
I always let you have your way with me and make all the decisions.
Why do I sigh?
I can't help but let out a deep sigh when I think about you.
Why do I try to forget?
I try to forget you, but it seems impossible.
It must have been that something lovers call "Fate"
The reason for us being together can only be explained as fate or destiny.
Kept on saying I had to wait
I had to be patient and persistent in waiting for the right person.
I saw them all
I encountered many other people, but none of them captured my heart like you did.
Just couldn't fall till we met
I was unable to fall in love until the moment we met.
It had to be you, it had to be you
You were the only one who could make me feel this way, it couldn't have been anyone else.
I wandered around and finally found the somebody who
I spent a long time searching for the right person, and then I finally found you.
Could make me be true, could make me be blue
You have the power to make me honest and also make me feel sad at times.
And even be glad just to be sad thinkin' of you
I find joy in being sad when I think of you because it means that I have you in my life.
Some others I've seen might never be mean
Other people may not treat me poorly or be unkind, but they wouldn't be right for me like you are.
Might never be cross or try to be boss, but they wouldn't do
Other people may not be argumentative or bossy, but they still wouldn't be a good match for me.
For nobody else gave me a thrill
No one else has ever made me feel as happy and excited as you do.
With all your faults, I love you still
Despite your imperfections, I love you just the way you are.
It had to be you, wonderful you, it had to be you
You are unique and special, and that's why it had to be you that I fell in love with.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Isham Jones, Gus Kahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind