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.
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
[Chorus]
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your King
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
So bring us smoe figgy pudding;
So bring us some figgy pudding;
So bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.
[Chorus]
We won't go until we got some;
We won't go until we got some;
We won't go until we got some, so bring some out here.
[Chorus]
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
[Chorus]
The song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" by Al Martino is a traditional Christmas carol that expresses well wishes for the holiday season. The first verse repeats the same message of wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The chorus brings up the glad tidings that are being brought to the listener and their King. It is possible that this King is a reference to Jesus Christ, who is the reason for the Christmas season being celebrated.
The second verse of the song takes on a more humorous and light-hearted tone. The singers request some figgy pudding and good cheer, suggesting that the celebration of Christmas involves feasting and enjoying oneself. However, the third verse is more assertive, implying that the singers will not leave until they have received some figgy puddings. This part of the song is often interpreted as a gentle ribbing towards gatherings that might not be quite as hospitable towards their guests, or as a lighthearted tease for the kitchen staff to hasten the dessert course.
Overall, the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a joyous message of goodwill and positivity for the holiday season. It is a reminder to cherish the festive feelings that come along with this time of year and celebrate with those around us.
Line by Line Meaning
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We express our desire for your celebration of Christmas to be joyful and happy.
We wish you a Merry Christmas;
We repeat our desire for your celebration of Christmas to be joyful and happy.
We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We extend our best wishes for both the Christmas season and the upcoming new year to be filled with happiness and good cheer.
[Chorus] Glad tidings we bring To you and your King We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
As a group or community, we bring joyful news to you and your spiritual leader or king as we express our wishes for your Christmas and new year to be filled with happiness.
So bring us some figgy pudding;
We make a request for a traditional Christmas dessert called figgy pudding.
So bring us some figgy pudding;
We repeat our request for a traditional Christmas dessert called figgy pudding.
So bring us some figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer.
In addition to figgy pudding, we ask for a cup of something that will boost our spirits and bring us good cheer.
[Chorus] Glad tidings we bring To you and your King We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Again, as a group or community, we bring joyful news to you and your spiritual leader or king as we express our wishes for your Christmas and new year to be filled with happiness.
We won't go until we got some;
We state that we will not leave until we receive some figgy pudding as requested.
We won't go until we got some;
We reiterate that we will not leave until we receive some figgy pudding as requested.
We won't go until we got some, so bring some out here.
We make it clear that we will not leave until we receive some figgy pudding, and we ask once again for it to be brought to us.
[Chorus] Glad tidings we bring To you and your King We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The song ends with the group or community once again bringing joyful news to the listener and their spiritual leader or king, expressing their wishes for a happy Christmas and new year.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Art Harris
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind