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 a Difference a Day Makes
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss,
That thrilling kiss
It's heaven when you
Find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you
-------instrumental------
What a difference a day made
Twenty-four little hours
Brought the sun and the flowers
Where there used to be rain
My yesterday was blue, dear
Today I'm part of you, dear
My lonely nights are through, dear
Since you said you were mine
What a difference a day makes
There's a rainbow before me
Skies above can't be stormy
Since that moment of bliss,
That thrilling kiss
It's heaven when you
Find romance on your menu
What a difference a day made
What a difference a day made
What a difference a day made
And the difference is you
The lyrics to Al Martino's song "What A Difference A Day Makes" depict the transformative power of love. In just twenty-four hours, the world can go from a place of sadness and loneliness to one of joy and elation. The first verse describes how the sun and flowers have replaced the rain, a metaphor for the way love can brighten up one's life. The second verse speaks of the personal transformation experienced by the singer; from feeling blue and lonely to being part of someone else's life, and no longer experiencing those long nights of one's solitude.
The chorus serves to reinforce the idea that love is powerful enough to change everything about one's world - even the weather. The imagery of a rainbow and how the skies now look peaceful and calm carries that idea forward. The bridge, which is an instrumental, offers a moment of reflection on the transformative power of love. The song ends with several repetitions of the title phrase, emphasizing the message that the difference one day can make can be transformative in one's life when it's carried out through romantic love.
Line by Line Meaning
What a difference a day made
How much a situation can change in just one day
Twenty-four little hours
A day may not seem like a lot, but it can have a big impact
Brought the sun and the flowers
Things can go from bleak and depressing to bright and beautiful in a short amount of time
Where there used to be rain
A reference to tough times in the past that are now over and replaced with happiness
My yesterday was blue, dear
The artist's past was unhappy or sad
Today I'm part of you, dear
The singer has found love and companionship with someone else
My lonely nights are through, dear
The singer no longer feels lonely because they have someone by their side
Since you said you were mine
The person the artist is addressing has declared that they are in a committed relationship
There's a rainbow before me
The future looks bright and hopeful
Skies above can't be stormy
No matter what life throws their way, the artist is content with their current relationship
Since that moment of bliss, That thrilling kiss
The point in time when the singer realized their love for the other person
It's heaven when you Find romance on your menu
When love is in someone's life, everything feels more fulfilling and enjoyable
What a difference a day made
A repetition of the chorus to reinforce the idea that things can change drastically in a short amount of time
And the difference is you
The person the singer is addressing is the reason for the positive change in their life
Writer(s): Adams Stanley, Grever Maria
Contributed by Zoe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.