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.
Unchained Melody
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time,
Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much.
Are you still mine?
I need your love, I need your love,
God speed your love to me.
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
Lonely rivers sigh,
"Wait for me, wait for me"
"I'll be coming home, wait for me!"
Oh, my love, my darling,
I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time,
Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much.
Are you still mine?
I need your love, I need your love,
God speed your love to me.
The lyrics of "Unchained Melody" speak of a love that has endured for a long time, despite the distance and separation. The song starts with the singer expressing how he has been longing for his loved one's touch for a lengthy period of time. He speaks of how time can seem to pass slowly, yet it can have great power to do things, like strengthening his feelings for his beloved. He asks if his love is still his and implores for their love to reach him. The chorus repeats this need for love and asks for divine intervention to bring them together.
The second verse of the song tells the story of a lonely river that flows into the arms of the sea, asking for someone to wait for it. This metaphor allows the singer to express how he too is like a lonely river, making his way to be with his love. He is pleading for them not to lose hope and to wait for him. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the need for love and the urgency to be reunited.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my love, my darling,
Addressing the singer's partner in an affectionate manner.
I've hungered for your touch a long, lonely time,
Expressing a strong desire for physical contact with the partner, especially after a prolonged period of feeling lonely.
Time goes by so slowly and time can do so much.
Reflecting on how time can have a profound effect on one's emotions and situation in life.
Are you still mine?
Questioning the partner's continued commitment and love to the artist.
I need your love, I need your love,
Reiterating the artist's strong dependence on the partner's affection.
God speed your love to me.
Asking for divine assistance in bringing the partner closer to the singer.
Lonely rivers flow to the sea, to the sea
Comparing the singer's loneliness and yearning for the partner's return to the constant flow of rivers towards the vast ocean.
To the open arms of the sea
Describing the sea as a symbol of comfort and rejuvenation, where the rivers' journey eventually ends.
Lonely rivers sigh,
Personifying the rivers as beings capable of showing emotions, empathizing with the artist's emotional state.
"Wait for me, wait for me"
Echoing the artist's own plea to the partner, pleading for patience and willingness to wait for the desired reunion.
"I'll be coming home, wait for me!"
Assuring the partner of a eventual return, promising to make the reunion happen.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, UNCHAINED MELODY PUB LLC
Written by: Alex North, Hyman Zaret
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@judimartino4242
Al had the most beautiful voice