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.
Silver Bells
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Good tidings to you and all of your kin;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There's a feeling
Of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
City street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
Home with their treasures
Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa's big scene
And above all this bustle
You'll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It's Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Soon it will be Christmas day
The first verse of the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a straightforward greeting wishing a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to family and friends. The second verse gives good tidings for Christmas and the New Year. The remaining verses describe the holiday season in a bustling city. The verse "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in holiday style" sets the scene and evokes the vivid images of people roaming around the city, merrily shopping and enjoying festivities. The verse mentions children laughing, people passing, and meeting after smile with the festive mood out and about.
The chorus of "Silver Bells" follows the second verse, creating a sound of silver bells ringing and filling the air. It is an iconic phrase that captures the charm of an urban holiday season. The verse then continues with references to typical holiday season sights like bright city street lights and traffic lights blinking in red and green. As the verse progresses, it moves closer to Christmas day, capturing the cheerfulness of people heading home with their treasures, hearing the snow crunching, and children gathering around in their excitement for the upcoming Christmas scene.
Overall, the song is an interactive and enjoyable way to wish your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year while transporting them to the flurry and magic of the holiday season within a city.
Line by Line Meaning
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We sincerely hope that this Christmas brings you joy and happiness;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We hope your holiday season is filled with love and that your coming year is prosperous and joyful.
Good tidings to you and all of your kin;
We extend a message of good fortune and blessings to you and all of your loved ones;
Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We wish the best for you and yours this holiday season and coming year.
City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Streets in the city are packed with people;
Dressed in holiday style
People are dressed in festive attire;
In the air
There is a specific
There's a feeling
type of ambiance filling the city air;
Of Christmas
the ambiance is that of the holiday season;
Children laughing
Kids are having a great time;
People passing
Passerbys are going about their business;
Meeting smile after smile
As people pass each other, they share smiles and good cheer;
And on ev'ry street corner you'll hear
Every single street corner is playing
Silver bells, silver bells
the sound of tinkling silver bells;
It's Christmas time in the city
As a result, it's evident that the holiday season has come to the city;
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
The bells are ringing out their distinct tune;
Soon it will be Christmas day
Which means that the most special day of the holiday season is almost upon us.
City street lights
The street lights in the city;
Even stop lights
Even the stop lights on the street;
Blink a bright red and green
Glow with red and green colors;
As the shoppers rush
As crowds of holiday buyers hurry;
Home with their treasures
Back to their residences with wrapped gifts;
Hear the snow crunch
The sound of snow beneath our feet;
See the kids bunch
We notice the kids gathering in larger groups;
This is Santa's big scene
These are the moments we visualize Santa Claus making his grand appearance;
And above all this bustle
However, above all this chaos of the holiday season;
You'll hear
It's the most wonderful sound of all;
Silver bells, silver bells
The sweet sound of those jingling silver bells;
It's Christmas time in the city
Confirmations that we are in the heart of the special holiday season;
Ring-a-ling, hear them ring
Those bells are ringing out their melodious tune;
Soon it will be Christmas day
And we'll soon be celebrating the holiday with our loved ones.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: MIKE GARSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Crushed Twinkie
Second only in my mind to the version by Jim Reeves.
XtoPHer CA MMXXII
Happy Birthday to the late Mr.Jasper Cini aka Al Martino.10-7-27.PA.Almost christmas