Albert West, became first known through his involvement in the band The Shuffles (1963-1973) when they scored a worldwide hit with 'Cha la la, I need you'. But already soon in the 60s he went solo and became one of the most popular singers in the Netherlands in the early 70s.
The last years he is also known as presenter for Dutch radio and television.
He died 4 june 2015 as the result of a car accident a week before.
Hot Havana Nights
Albert West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, but I remember it still
In dreams I can recall
The tropical thrill
Cold, black eyes
A blaze in the night
I was a croupier
Ready to throw it all away
And take all my mains
'Til somebody cried:
"Revolution's outside"
Here comes the soldiers
No more high rollers and
Hot Havanna nights
Orchestral Hasinas was playing
Hot Havanna nights
And I was alone with the girl who would never be mine
Hot Havanna nights
We were dancing under the stars above
Hot Havanna nights
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
(Hot Havanna nights)
Hot Havanna nights
We were dancing under the stars above
Hot Havanna nights
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
Hot Havanna nights
They put me on a plain
My hear sick and low
Las Vegas just ain't the same
Oh, but she'll never know
How I cried
No time to say goodbye
Oh, but I remember
Hot Havanna nights
Orchestral Hasinas was playing
Hot Havanna nights
And I was alone with the girl who would never be
Alone with the girl who would never be
I'm still in love with the girl who would never be mine
Hot Havanna nights
We were dancing under the stars above
Hot Havanna nights
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
Hot Havanna nights (Hot Havanna nights)
We were dancing under the stars above
Hot Havanna nights (Hot Havanna nights)
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
Hot Havanna nights (Hot Havanna nights)
We were dancing under the stars above
Hot Havanna nights (Hot Havanna nights)
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
The lyrics of "Hot Havana Nights" by Albert West tell a story of a croupier remembering a night spent dancing with a high-priced dream in Havana. He vividly remembers the music, the dancing, and being under the stars, but ultimately the timing just wasn't right for their love. The song also touches on politics as the night is interrupted by soldiers and revolution outside. In the end, he is forced to leave Havana and return to Las Vegas where he will never forget the girl who would never be his.
The lyrics create a sense of longing and nostalgia as the croupier reminisces about a special night that he will never forget. The tropical setting and the music add to the dream-like quality of the memory. However, the reality of the situation brings him back to the present and he realizes that his love for her will never be realized. The use of soldiers and revolution also suggests that the time and place were not conducive to a lasting romance.
Overall, "Hot Havana Nights" is a beautifully crafted and poignant song about love, timing, and missed opportunities. It transports the listener to a magical night in Havana but also reminds us that sometimes love doesn't always work out.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems so long ago
The singer is reflecting on a past experience.
Oh, but I remember it still
The singer has a clear memory of the experience and it is still significant to them.
In dreams I can recall
The singer recollects their experience even while asleep.
The tropical thrill
The artist experienced excitement and passion associated with tropical locations.
Cold, black eyes
The woman in the artist's story had intense and emotionless eyes.
A blaze in the night
Her eyes were vivid even in the darkness.
I was a croupier
The singer's job was a croupier, or dealer, at a casino.
And she was a high-priced dream
The woman was a coveted and expensive desire for the artist.
Ready to throw it all away
The artist was willing to give up everything for the woman.
And take all my mains
The artist was willing to take a risk for the woman.
'Til somebody cried:
There was an interruption or disruption in the situation.
"Revolution's outside"
There was a political upheaval or revolution happening nearby.
Here comes the soldiers
The military arrived to take control of the situation.
No more high rollers and
The moment of indulgence and high-stakes gambling is over.
Hot Havana nights
The singer is reflecting on a passionate and steamy experience in Havana.
Orchestral Hasinas was playing
Music was playing in the background during the experience in Havana.
And I was alone with the girl who would never be mine
The woman the artist desired was with him, but a relationship was impossible.
We were dancing under the stars above
The singer and the woman shared a romantic moment dancing under the stars.
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
The timing of their encounter was not ideal for a lasting relationship.
They put me on a plain
The artist was put onto a plane and had to leave Havana.
My hear sick and low
The artist's heart was heavy and mournful after leaving Havana.
Las Vegas just ain't the same
The artist's current location lacks the same passion and excitement as Havana.
Oh, but she'll never know
The woman will never know how the singer truly feels about her.
How I cried
The artist expressed sadness and grief.
No time to say goodbye
The singer was separated from the woman suddenly without the chance to say goodbye.
We were dancing under the stars above
The singer is reminiscing about a romantic moment shared with the woman.
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
Their respective circumstances did not allow for a lasting relationship.
Hot Havana nights
The artist continues to reflect on a passionate and unforgettable experience in Havana.
(Hot Havana nights)
Reiterating the significance of the memories from Havana.
We were dancing under the stars above
The singer is still thinking about the romantic moment in Havana.
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
The timing of their dance and their lives did not allow for a long-lasting relationship.
(Hot Havana nights)
Reiterating the significance of the memories of Havana.
We were dancing under the stars above
Reflecting on the romantic dance they shared.
But the timing just wasn't right for our love
Once again, their circumstances did not allow for a lasting relationship.
Writer(s): Martin Kupersmith, Randall
Contributed by Alaina M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@groningen1965
prachtig nummer en ook bij dansschool postma in emmen zeer populair
@vfrsjakie
Forget Barry Manilow, this is the man!
@groningen1965
Zo vreselijk dat Albert West is overleden vandaag