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.
volare
Al Martino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
Volare, oh oh
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Let's fly way up to the clouds
Away from the madd'ning crowds
Where lovers enjoy peace of mind
Let us leave the confusion and all disillusion behind
Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find
Volare, oh oh
Cantare oh oh oh oh
No wonder my happy heart sings
Your love has given me wings
(repeat)
The opening lines of Al Martino's song "Volare" talks about the struggles and difficulties that we face in life. The world is often full of heartaches, tears, hustle, and bustle, leaving behind no sunshine for us to enjoy. However, amidst all these challenges, the love that two people share can remind them that there is a way to leave all the worries behind. The lyrics go on to describe the way that love can lift us above the chaos of life and take us to new heights. "Volare" is an Italian word that means "to fly," and the song encourages the lovers to fly up to the clouds away from the maddening crowd. The song says that the lovers can find peace of mind by being together, singing in the glow of a star that the singer knows.
The next part of the song talks about the lovers leaving the confusion and disillusionment behind. The singer tells his lover that they can be like birds of a feather and find a rainbow together. The word "Cantare" is another Italian term that means "to sing," and once again, the lover encourages his beloved to sing with him. The chorus repeats the word "Volare" and "Cantare" and says that the singer's happy heart sings because his lover's love gives him wings. The lyrics remind the listeners that love can take us to new heights, allowing us to leave our worries behind and find peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes the world is a valley of heartaches and tears
Occasionally, life can be full of sadness and pain.
And in the hustle and bustle, no sunshine appears
When life is busy, it can be hard to find moments of joy.
But you and I have our love always there to remind us
Despite life's struggles, our love is a constant source of comfort and happiness.
There is a way we can leave all the shadows behind us
We have the power to escape the negative aspects of life and focus on the positive.
Volare, oh oh
Let us fly.
Cantare, oh oh oh oh
Let us sing.
Let's fly way up to the clouds
Let's escape to a higher, happier place.
Away from the madd'ning crowds
Away from the chaos and stress of everyday life.
We can sing in the glow of a star that I know of
We can find peace and happiness in a specific place or moment.
Where lovers enjoy peace of mind
This place is where people in love can find tranquility and happiness.
Let us leave the confusion and all disillusion behind
Let us forget about our troubles and focus on the good in life.
Just like birds of a feather a rainbow together we'll find
Together, we can find beauty and happiness just like how birds of the same feather flock together and rainbows bring a colorful beauty.
No wonder my happy heart sings
It's no surprise that I feel joyful and content.
Your love has given me wings
My love for you has inspired and motivated me to be my best self.
(repeat)
The song's chorus repeats the idea of rising above life's troubles and being inspired by love to find happiness.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Domenico Modugno, Franco Migliacci
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@LisaKeepsitReal
My dad Brought my mom and me to see him in Florida, it was my first concert, Al
Martino signed an album for my Mom, my Dad passed a few years later (very young) to this day I have extremely fond memories of this concert and my Dad and Al looked so much alike.
@hotdrummer1792
The best version, great voice!!
@PaulZehnder
.. surely not the best version
@MrChristian
One of my favorite songs (and version of Volare) EVER. Watching this as a kid, I wanted to be as handsome, suave and cool as Al Martino! Didn’t quite work out that way but it was fun to dream anyway! 😀
@JLove-gl2xt
Please Bring back those days...good days...beautiful disco version and not these awful times we live in COVID and misery...please God I beg you take us back...Disco Music such amazing beautiful music...violins...awww such beauty. Al Martino smiling down from heaven..
@obear3000
I couldn’t agree more disco always lift my spirit and those violins send me straight to heaven. I will always be grateful I grew up in the 70’s there was some kind of magical powers in the air. It just felt magical, I didn’t know at the moment it wasn’t going to last but I had the chance to enjoyed it all...I still do. Disco forever !
@sylvpayne9762
This version is one of the best love it
@pedromolina223
This version was the best...in Ecuador was a hit too...love it!!
@cynthiapedersen7901
In Puerto Rico, too! We danced to this at all the parties put on by the South American boys ♥️!!
@philip2508
Just fabulous what else can you say!!!!