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.
Vaya Con Dios
Al Martino Lyrics
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Vaya con Dios, my darling
Now the hacienda's dark, the town is sleeping
Now the time has come to part, the time for weeping
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Vaya con Dios, my love
Now the village mission bells are softly ringing
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Vaya con Dios, my love
Wherever you may be, I'll be beside you
Although you're many million dreams away
Each night I'll say a prayer, a prayer to guide you
To hasten every lonely hour of every lonely day
Now the dawn is breaking through a gray tomorrow
But the memories we share are there to borrow
Vaya Con Dios, my darling
Vaya con Dios, my love
Vaya Con Dios, my darling
Vaya con Dios, my love
The song "Vaya Con Dios" by Al Martino is a beautiful and poignant ballad that expresses the sadness of parting from a loved one. The lyrics are written in a way that portrays the sense of loss and separation that comes with saying goodbye. The lines "Now the hacienda's dark, the town is sleeping, now the time has come to part, the time for weeping" captures the sense of sorrow one feels when leaving behind those special moments with a loved one. The phrase "Vaya con Dios" which means "Go with God" is used as a way of sending the individual on their way with good wishes and blessings.
As the song progresses, the village mission bells are introduced to bring the spiritual element of prayer and faith into the mix. The lyrics, "If you listen with your heart, you'll hear them singing, Vaya con Dios, my darling, Vaya con Dios, my love" express the idea that with faith, the loved one will not be alone and that the separation won't be permanent. The song ends on an optimistic and hopeful note with the lyrics "Now the dawn is breaking through a grey tomorrow, but the memories we share are there to borrow, Vaya con Dios, my darling, Vaya con Dios, my love". These lines are very touching and inspiring as they suggest that although the separation may be physical, the memories and love shared will remain forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Farewell, my beloved
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Goodbye, my beloved
Now the hacienda's dark, the town is sleeping
The large farm is now silent and the town is quiet
Now the time has come to part, the time for weeping
The moment has arrived for us to go our separate ways and shed tears
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Goodbye, my beloved
Vaya con Dios, my love
Farewell, my love
Now the village mission bells are softly ringing
The church bells in the village are ringing gently
If you listen with your heart, you'll hear them singing
If you listen carefully, you can hear them sing
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Goodbye, my beloved
Vaya con Dios, my love
Farewell, my love
Wherever you may be, I'll be beside you
No matter where you are, I will be with you
Although you're many million dreams away
Even if you are very far away, far beyond your dreams
Each night I'll say a prayer, a prayer to guide you
Every night I will pray to guide you
To hasten every lonely hour of every lonely day
To shorten every hour of sadness in every lonely day
Now the dawn is breaking through a gray tomorrow
The sun is now rising on a gray future
But the memories we share are there to borrow
But we can always look back on our shared memories
Vaya con Dios, my darling
Goodbye, my beloved
Vaya con Dios, my love
Farewell, my love
Vaya Con Dios, my darling
Goodbye, my beloved
Vaya con Dios, my love
Farewell, my love
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Buddy Pepper, Inez James, Larry Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind