In 1952 she married juggler Erik van Aro (Gerd Eric Horst Scholz). He recognized her talent and accompanied her in her initial years of worldwide success, although they later divorced. In 1953, she made her first recordings with Kurt Edelhagen. Soon afterwards she achieved great success with songs like "Malagueña", "The Breeze and I", and "Dreh dich nicht um" with the Werner Müller orchestra. In 1955 she was featured on the "Colgate Comedy Hour" with Gordon MacRae. Between 1966 and 1972 she was a frequent guest on the Dean Martin Show. In 1972, she married the British pianist Roy Budd; they had a son, Alexander, but they divorced in 1979.
In Germany she was a major performer of Schlager music. There she recorded Cole Porter's "I love Paris" i.e. "Ganz Paris träumt von der Liebe", which sold more than 500,000 copies in (1954.) Like in other countries where she was popular, some in Germany mistakenly consider her a German singer.
Over the years, she has recorded or performed with many international stars, including Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Woody Herman, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Buddy Rich, Sy Oliver, Claus Ogerman, and Chet Baker.
In 2001, she released a new album Girltalk with harpist Catherine Michel. She is also the mother of singer Eric van Aro, Jr.
Bongo cha cha cha
Caterina Valente Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Parlami del Sud America
Quello che dicono laggiù
Forse è fantasia e nulla più
Bongo la, bongo cha cha cha
È davver così fantastica
Dimmelo con sincerità
In testa è bello mettere
Cappelli a pan di zucchero
Con cuore sempre in fremito
Ahi-ahi-ahi-ahi, chissà, chissà
Per mille strade cantano
Per mille piazze danzano
Le ore più non contano
Fra mambo e cha cha cha, oh-oh-oh
Bongo la, bongo cha cha cha
Parlami del Sud America
Dimmelo con sincerità
Nelle notti a Rio che si fa?
In testa è bello mettere
Cappelli a pan di zucchero
Con cuore sempre in fremito
Ahi-ahi-ahi-ahi, chissà, chissà
Per mille strade cantano
Per mille piazze danzano
Le ore più non contano
Fra mambo e cha cha cha, oh-oh-oh
Bongo la, bongo cha cha cha
Parlami del Sud America
Dimmelo con sincerità
Nelle notti a Rio che si fa?
The lyrics to Caterina Valente's "Bongo Cha Cha Cha" begin with the repeated phrase "Bongo La, Bongo Cha Cha Cha." These words serve as an introduction to the song and set the rhythm for what is to come. The following line "Parlami del Sud America" translates to "Speak to me of South America," suggesting that the song is about the region.
The next line "Quello che dicono laggiù, forse è fantasia e nulla più" translates to "What they say down there, maybe it's fantasy and nothing more." This line may be interpreted as acknowledging the idea that what people say about South America may be exaggerated or untruthful.
The chorus of the song then repeats the opening lines, followed by the question "È davver così fantastica, dimmelo con sincerità" which translates to "Is it really so fantastic, tell me with sincerity." This line suggests that the singer is questioning the validity of the claims made about South America and wants to know the truth.
The song then mentions Rio and the excitement that can be found there, expressing the sentiment that it is thrilling to wear colorful hats and experience the constant excitement of the region. The next verse continues to emphasize the liveliness of South America, with its people singing and dancing in the streets and squares, completely unconcerned with the passing of time.
Overall, the lyrics of "Bongo Cha Cha Cha" seem to celebrate the vibrant atmosphere of South America while acknowledging that it may be difficult to discern fact from fiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Bongo la, bongo cha cha cha
The lively rhythm of the bongo drums sets the tone for the energetic cha cha cha dance.
Parlami del Sud America
Tell me about South America, the continent known for its music, dance, and vibrant culture.
Quello che dicono laggiù
What people say down there, in South America, may not be entirely accurate and is possibly exaggerated.
Forse è fantasia e nulla più
Perhaps it is all just a fantasy, and there is no truth to the tales people tell about South America.
È davver così fantastica
Is it truly as fantastic as people claim it to be?
Dimmelo con sincerità
Tell me honestly, without exaggeration.
Nelle notti a Rio che si fa?
What happens in Rio at night? It's known for its lively music and dance scene.
In testa è bello mettere
It's fun to imagine wearing and seeing colorful sugar loaf-shaped hats.
Cappelli a pan di zucchero
Sugar loaf-shaped hats, often associated with the vibrant culture of South America.
Con cuore sempre in fremito
With a heart full of excitement and anticipation.
Ahi-ahi-ahi-ahi, chissà, chissà
A playful expression of excitement and curiosity about what the experience would be like.
Per mille strade cantano
On many streets, people sing and play music, creating a lively atmosphere.
Per mille piazze danzano
In countless squares, people dance and celebrate, creating a sense of community and joy.
Le ore più non contano
Time seems to stand still when the music and dance take over, and people become lost in the moment.
Fra mambo e cha cha cha, oh-oh-oh
Between the energetic rhythms of mambo and cha cha cha, people lose themselves in the music.
Writer(s): Arne, Muelle, Pinchi
Contributed by Ellie A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Staless74
on Cambia O Lasciami
Please correct the highlighted verse to: "Che diritti hai su di me?". Thanks.