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.
Three Coins in the Fountain
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Each one seeking happiness.
Thrown by three hopeful lovers,
Which one will the fountain bless?
Three hearts in the fountain,
Each heart longing for its home.
There they lie in the fountain
Which one will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?
Three coins in the fountain,
Through the ripples how they shine.
Just one wish will be granted,
One heart will wear a valentine.
Make it mine!
Make it mine!
Make it mine!
Three coins in the fountain,
Through the ripples how they shine.
And just one wish will be granted,
One heart will wear a valentine.
Make it mine!
Make it mine!
Make it mine!
Al Martino's popular 1954 song 'Three Coins in the Fountain' conveys the story of three hopeful lovers who throw coins into the fountain and make a wish for happiness, hoping that the fountain will bless them. The lyrics suggest that each lover's happiness is tied to one of the coins that they have thrown in the fountain. The image of the three hearts and three coins lying in the fountain, in the heart of Rome, creates a romantic backdrop for the song.
The repetition of the phrase "Which one will the fountain bless?" throughout the song highlights the idea of uncertainty that comes with love and relationships. The fact that only one wish can be granted and one heart will wear a valentine, underscores the idea that love can be elusive and fate can be fickle. Throughout the song, the singer's voice conveys a sense of longing and yearning, that is both romantic and melancholic in nature.
Line by Line Meaning
Three coins in the fountain,
There are three coins thrown in the fountain.
Each one seeking happiness.
The coins represent individuals who are looking for happiness and fulfillment in their lives.
Thrown by three hopeful lovers,
Three lovers threw their respective coins into the fountain with the hope that their wishes will come true.
Which one will the fountain bless?
It is uncertain which of the three lovers will be blessed by the fountain and have their wish granted.
Three hearts in the fountain,
The three coins represent the hearts of the individuals who threw them into the fountain.
Each heart longing for its home.
All three individuals are searching for a place where they belong and where they feel loved and accepted.
There they lie in the fountain
The coins are resting in the water of the fountain.
Somewhere in the heart of Rome.
The fountain and the lovers are situated in Rome, the city of love.
Three coins in the fountain,
The three coins are still in the fountain.
Through the ripples how they shine.
The coins appear to shine and sparkle when viewed through the rippling water of the fountain.
Just one wish will be granted,
Only one of the three lovers will have their wish granted by the fountain.
One heart will wear a valentine.
The person whose wish is granted will find love and happiness in their life, represented by wearing a valentine.
Make it mine!
The singer is expressing a desire to be the one whose wish is granted and whose heart wears a valentine.
Make it mine!
The singer repeats their desire to have their wish granted and find love and happiness.
Make it mine!
The singer is once again expressing their fervent desire to be the one whose wish is granted.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jule Styne, Sammy Cahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind