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.
Speak Softly Love
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And hold me warm against your heart.
I feel your words
The tender
Trembling moments start.
We're a world our very own
Sharing a love that only few have ever known.
Deep velvet nights when we are one
Speak softly love
So no one hears us but the sky.
The vows of love we make will live until we die.
My life is yours and all because
You came into my world with love so softly
Love.
The lyrics of "Speak Softly Love," also known as the Theme from The Godfather, describe a love that is intimate and passionate. The singer urges his beloved to speak softly and hold him close to her heart, making him feel her words and initiating a series of tender and trembling moments. The two lovers are in their own world, sharing a love that only a few have ever experienced. The days are warm and the nights are dark and sensual, as they become one. They speak softly so that nobody can hear them but the sky, and make vows of love that will never die. The singer’s life belongs to his beloved because she brought love into his world softly.
The lyrics of "Speak Softly Love" convey the idea of a love that is profound and sacred. The songwriters and singers have used tender language and imagery to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that is rarely seen in popular music. They have also used the concept of exclusivity to add depth to the lyrics, highlighting the fact that only a few people can understand what it's like to be in such a deeply loving relationship. The fact that the song is associated with the Godfather further adds to the sense of atmosphere and mystique that surrounds the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Speak softly love
Whisper your love to me gently
And hold me warm against your heart.
Embrace me closely with affection
I feel your words
I sense the love in your words
The tender
Affectionate
Trembling moments start.
Excitement begins to stir inside me
We're a world our very own
Together, we create our own world of love
Sharing a love that only few have ever known.
Our love is so unique that only a few couples have experienced it before
Wine colored days warmed by the sun
Our happy days, filled with warmth and happiness
Deep velvet nights when we are one
Our intimate nights together when we feel complete
Speak softly love
Whisper your love to me gently
So no one hears us but the sky.
We keep our love a secret, known only to ourselves and the sky
The vows of love we make will live until we die.
We promise to love each other forever
My life is yours and all because
My life belongs to you because of
You came into my world with love so softly
Your gentle love that entered my life
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lawrence Kusik, Nino Rota
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nikolay Solo
Скажи «Люблю», прижми меня к своей груди.
Истомой ночь полна, и я шепчу «Приди».
Распахнут мир для нас с тобой –
Огромна, словно этот мир моя любовь.
Тепло Земли и синь небес
В глазах твоих, где мир чудес…
Скажи «Люблю», пусть Небо нас благословит.
И в сердце вечно будут жить слова твои.
И солнца луч, листву согрев,
Своей улыбкой мне напомнит о тебе.
Randall KIng
Where have all of the singers like Al Martino gone? He was a great singer. He is missed.
John Lamb
Al Martino made this song his very own. None one has ever sung it better.
D'z jammz
I agree
Latissimus Dorsi
Andy Williams sung it better!
Shanu Kaushish
Every version is pure gold!
One better than the other
Lyall G
Al Martino was amazing, and the other one is Andy Williams. He’s was phenomenal.
Franny Cardillo
@Latissimus Dorsi No little boy soprano with Martino.
jjs777fzr
Both Al and Jerry Vale do this song justice. Al's performance is spectacular.
Bruce Adams
Al Martino became a major part of my childhood because of my father. He loved his voice as I now do. Love his daughter's remembrance of both his legacy as well as old Hollywood
Talma Lennon
Essa música me arrepia só de ler o tútulo! Pode crer... é uma das mais lindas do mundo!!!!!!!! Pronto agora to aqui berrando igual a bezerro desmamado rsrsrsr