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.
Wanted
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And held me closely, then stole my heart
Wanted, someone I trusted
Who gave no warning we'd ever part
She was last seen hiding out in someone's arms
He knew nothing of the danger in her charms
But I'd forgive her if I could see
A signed confession that she's repented
And really wanted no one but me
Wanted, someone who kissed me
And held me closely, then stole my heart
Wanted, someone I trusted
Who gave no warning that we'd ever part
She was last seen hiding out in someone's arms
He knew nothing of the danger in her charms
A jury may find her guilty
But I'd forgive her if I could see
A signed confession that she's repented
And really wanted no one but me
The song "Wanted" by Al Martino is a ballad that tells the story of a man who is looking for a woman who has betrayed him by leaving him for someone else. The lyrics describe the man's longing for someone who once kissed him and held him closely, but who has now stolen his heart. The man is searching for a woman he once trusted, but who gave him no warning that they would ever part. The lyrics suggest that the woman has been hiding out in the arms of someone else, and that the man had no idea of the danger in her charms.
Despite the woman's betrayal, the man expresses forgiveness and a willingness to take her back if she repents and truly wants no one but him. He states that he would forgive her if she were to give him a signed confession that she has truly repented and wants only him.
Line by Line Meaning
Wanted, someone who kissed me
Looking for someone special who showed me affection with a kiss
And held me closely, then stole my heart
Who embraced me and captured my emotions
Wanted, someone I trusted
Looking for someone trustworthy
Who gave no warning we'd ever part
Who showed no sign that they would leave me
She was last seen hiding out in someone's arms
She was spotted in the company of another person
He knew nothing of the danger in her charms
He was unaware of the risks involved with being close to her
A jury may find her guilty
She may be found at fault by legal decisions
But I'd forgive her if I could see
I would forgive her if she showed remorse
A signed confession that she's repented
A written admission of regret
And really wanted no one but me
Expressing sincere regret and wanting only to be with me
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc.
Written by: JOSEPH DARION, LARRY COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Marilyn Cooper
I remember this song so well. Love his singing. ❤️❤️🦢🦢🌺🌺🦢🦢
cazrelda
I love this song and Al Martino. My mum used to sing this, and it takes me back to a safe time in my life, before this madhouse came about.
Marilyn Cooper
I love this song. 🦢🦢🦢🦢❤️❤️🌹🌹🌷🌷🌷
Corrie121
Memories of my youth are stirring as I listen to this. I love this song and I consider Al Martino's rendition of it to be above all others. Thanks a million for sharing.
CanterburyKent
Fabulous. What a beautiful voice... l remember listening to this as a small child...my mum and dad's old 78's... Thanks for posting it.
Roy Davenport
We had some of the best singers in my time 40's - 60's thanks for posting
Francis Alan Wormald
THIS 84 YEAR OLD KNEW ONLY PERRY'S VERSION...WOW! THIS IS ALSO A DELIGHT TO HEAR. SO MANY MEMORIES & A FAN OF BOTH TO THIS DAY!!!
28PBTKH
This is brilliant - he sings it so much better than anyone else.
Caroline C
Originally heard this sung by Perry Como but I must admit I like this version better by Al.
joseph wheeler
you young guys, do you notice that these artists do not gasp for breath like these modern singers