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.
My Cherie
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'd meet her in that small cafe
And dance with my Cherie
We'd kiss by flickering candlelight
I'd whisper as I held her tight
I love you, sweet Cherie
A million miles away from me
Alone in old Paree
But if I live forever
I'll always be in love
In love with my Cherie
It seems like only yesterday
I'd meet her in that small cafe
And dance with my Cherie
We'd kiss by flickering candlelight
I'd whisper as I held her tight
I love you, sweet Cherie
But now she's just a memory
A million miles away from me
Alone in old Paree
But if I live forever
I'll always be in love
In love with my Cherie
The lyrics of Al Martino's "My Cherie" is a nostalgic recollection of a love story that once was, and now, only a bittersweet memory. The time the singer spent with his lover in the small cafe and their passion-filled dances and promises of love are now a thing of the past. The flickering candlelight and cozy ambiance accentuated their love and brought them closer. The singer's deep love for his Cherie is evident in the way he whispers to her as he holds her tight while they kiss in the candlelight.
However, Cherie is now just a memory, and the singer is left alone in old Paree, a million miles away from his beloved. Despite the distance, the singer's love for Cherie endures, and he pledges to love her forever. The song's final lines express the singer's unwavering love for his lost love, revealing his desire to spend an eternity loving Cherie.
Overall, "My Cherie" captures the romantic essence of a bygone era, where love was passionate and everlasting, and the lyrics convey the love story of a man and his beloved that endures through time, distance, and memories.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like only yesterday
It feels like it was just recently when I first met my Cherie
I'd meet her in that small cafe
Our first encounters happened in a tiny coffee shop
And dance with my Cherie
We’d sway to the rhythm of the music wrapped in our love
We'd kiss by flickering candlelight
We’d share intimate moments in the warm light of candles
I'd whisper as I held her tight
I’d whisper words of affection while wrapped in each other's arms
I love you, sweet Cherie
I express my love and adoration to my precious Cherie
But now she's just a memory
Sadly, she’s now a memory that I cherish deeply
A million miles away from me
She’s far away from me; we are separated by long distances
Alone in old Paree
She’s by herself in the old city of Paree
But if I live forever
Even if I never die
I'll always be in love
I’ll always love my Cherie
In love with my Cherie
I’ll keep my love for Cherie alive forever, no matter what happens or where she may be
Contributed by Riley R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@rayhurst8725
My grandad met a beautiful french girl when he was a young man, they married and had a wonderful life together. She was so sweet, such a lovely nanna. This song always reminds me of them but with a happy ending ❤️
@andrewvarley
Beautiful
@fasbc
Great posting. I heard this on a jukebox years ago and fell in love with it.
@fasbc
This is my favorite Al Martino recording. Thank you.
@davegreene8588
Beautiful song.... and sad, going by the lyrics.
@lc_kona
Beautiful song.
@anahuhn9327
Wunderschöne Stimme und Song. Vielen <3 Dank
@darrenjray
Ana Huhn Danke.
@denverdeita333
Wiwiwiw :>