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.
Strangers in the Night
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Exchanging glances
Wandering the night,
What were the chances
We'd be sharing love
Before the night was through
Something in your eyes
Something in your smile
Was so exciting
Something in my heart
Told me I must have you
Strangers in the night
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
And ever since that night
We've been together
Lovers at first sight
In love forever
It turned out so right
Strangers in the night
Two lonely people
We were strangers in the night
Up to the moment
When we said our first hello
Little did we know
Love was just a glance away
A warm embracing dance away
For strangers in the night.
The song "Strangers in the Night" is a classic romantic ballad that tells the story of two strangers who meet by chance while wandering the streets at night. The two exchange glances, and something in their eyes and smiles draws them together. The singer confesses that he felt an inexplicable pull toward the other person, one that he could not resist - he knew that he had to have them.
The song is full of romantic imagery, such as the idea that love was just a glance away, or a warm embracing dance away. It suggests that the love between the two strangers was predestined, that they were fated to meet and fall in love. The story has a happy ending - the two strangers become lovers at first sight, and they end up spending the rest of their lives together. The song is a testament to the power of chance encounters and the unexpected ways in which love can enter our lives.
Overall, Al Martino's "Strangers in the Night" is a timeless classic that speaks to the romantic in all of us. It tells a simple yet powerful story about the transformative power of love, and the magic that can happen when we meet a stranger in the night.
Line by Line Meaning
Strangers in the night,
Two people who are unfamiliar with each other met under the darkness of the night sky.
Exchanging glances
They caught each other's eye, looking for love and connection.
Wandering the night,
Walking aimlessly, looking for purpose or direction, alone in the darkness of the night.
What were the chances
The odds of finding a true love was remote and unlikely.
We'd be sharing love
They found themselves falling in love, a feeling neither of them expected.
Before the night was through
Their love blossomed quickly and completely in just one night.
Something in your eyes
The person's gaze conveyed an alluring vulnerability that drew in the other person.
Was so inviting
The vulnerability was welcoming and created an atmosphere of safety and trust.
Something in your smile
The person's facial expression suggested a sense of joy and happiness.
Was so exciting
The person's energy and joy were infectious and created a sense of anticipation.
Something in my heart
An internal compass that guided the other person towards the direction of their true love.
Told me I must have you
Their heart spoke louder than their mind and directed them towards pursuing this person.
Two lonely people
Both people were searching for companionship and understanding in a vast and lonely world.
Up to the moment
Their lives were separate, but at that moment, they found each other.
When we said our first hello
The first words they spoke cemented the connection that they had been longing for.
Little did we know
Neither person was aware that they would find love on that night.
Love was just a glance away
A brief moment of eye contact was all that was needed for love to take root.
A warm embracing dance away
The love they shared was effortless and natural, like two people slow dancing in each other's arms.
And ever since that night
Their love continued to grow and flourish, even beyond that magical night.
We've been together
Their love was genuine, and they never lost sight of the bond they shared.
Lovers at first sight
Their connection was instantaneous, and they were in love from the moment they met.
In love forever
Their love was eternal, and they promised to remain together for all time.
It turned out so right
Their love was worth the journey, and they truly found their soulmate.
For strangers in the night.
Two people who were once strangers under the night sky found their way to each other, and it was a beautiful thing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bert Kaempfert, Charles Singleton, Eddie Snyder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind