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.
What Child Is This
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
the King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
The song "What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol that contemplates the identity of the baby Jesus lying in a manger. The first verse sets the scene, with Mary cradling the newborn on her lap while angels sing sweet hymns and shepherds watch over them in the fields. The second verse introduces a more somber note, questioning why the Son of God is lying in such humble surroundings, with only farm animals to keep him company. Despite this lowly birth, the lyrics remind Christians that Jesus will later go on to suffer and die on the cross to redeem humanity's sins, thus fulfilling the role of the prophesied Messiah. The final verse celebrates the coming of the newborn King with the arrival of the Wise Men offering gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, indicating his royal status and divine purpose on earth.
Overall, the song presents a message of hope and joy in the birth of Jesus, while also emphasizing his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. Through the juxtaposition of the tender imagery of the infant with the foreboding references to the future crucifixion, the lyrics capture the profound theological significance of the Christmas story.
Line by Line Meaning
What child is this, who, laid to rest,
Who is this child sleeping in Mary's lap?
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
The child is sleeping on Mary's lap.
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
The angels welcome this child with sweet songs.
While shepherds watch are keeping?
The shepherds are watching over the child.
This, this is Christ the King,
This child is Jesus Christ, the King.
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
The shepherds are guarding him and the angels are singing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
Quickly come and praise him.
The babe, the son of Mary.
He is a baby and the son of Mary.
Why lies he in such mean estate
Why is he in such a humble place?
Where ox and ass are feeding?
He is in a place where oxen and donkeys eat.
Good Christian, fear: for sinners here
Fear, O Christian, because the Word of God is pleading for sinners.
The silent Word is pleading.
Jesus, who is the Word of God, is pleading silently.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
He will be pierced with nails and a spear.
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
He will carry the Cross for all of us.
Hail, hail, the Word made flesh,
Hail to Jesus, who is God made human.
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
He is still a baby and the son of Mary.
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Bring him gifts of incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come, peasant, king, to own him.
Everyone, whether poor or royalty, should claim him as their own.
the King of kings salvation brings,
Jesus, who is the King of kings, brings salvation.
Let loving hearts enthrone him.
Let us praise and enthrone him in our hearts with love.
Raise, raise the song on high,
Sing a joyful song to the heavens.
The Virgin sing her lullaby:
The Virgin Mary sings him a lullaby.
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
Celebrate with joy, for Christ is born.
The Babe, the Son of Mary.
He is still a baby and the son of Mary.
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOUGLAS E WAGNER, WILLIAM C DIX
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind