Caterina Valente (born January 14, 1931 in Paris) is an Italian-born singer… Read Full Bio ↴Caterina Valente (born January 14, 1931 in Paris) is an Italian-born singer, dancer, and actress. She comes from an Italian artist family; her father Giuseppe was a well-known accordion player, her mother, Maria Valente, a musical clown. She had three siblings, of whom Silvio Francesco was also active in show business.

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.

Hindustan
Caterina Valente Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hindustan!
Where we stop to rest our tired caravan
Hindustan!
Where the painted peacock proudly spreads his fan
Hindustan!
Where the purple sunbird flashed across the sand
Hindustan!
Where I met him, and the world began

Hindustan!
Where we stop to rest our tired caravan
Hindustan!
Where the painted peacock proudly spreads his fan
Hindustan!
Where the purple sunbird flashed across the sand

Hindustan!
Where I met him, and the world began!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Caterina Valente's "Hindustan" evoke a sense of exoticism and wonderment about the land of India. The repetition of the word "Hindustan" throughout the song serves to emphasize the importance and significance of this mystical land. The mention of a tired caravan signifies a journey or pilgrimage, and stopping in Hindustan becomes a moment of respite and reflection. It may also symbolize a pause in the singer's life journey, hinting at a deeper connection with this place.

The imagery of the painted peacock spreading its fan proudly in Hindustan conveys a sense of beauty and grandeur. The peacock is a symbol of grace and elegance in Indian culture, and its presence in this verse adds to the rich tapestry of visual elements that paint a vivid picture of the landscape. The peacock might also represent freedom and pride, suggesting a sense of liberation or self-discovery in this foreign land.

The mention of the purple sunbird flashing across the sand further enhances the exotic and vibrant setting of Hindustan. The sunbird is a tiny yet colorful bird, and its quick movements symbolize fleeting moments of beauty and joy. The desert setting emphasized by the mention of the sand adds a layer of mystery and enchantment to the narrative, highlighting the allure and appeal of this unfamiliar and captivating environment.

The final line, "Where I met him, and the world began," hints at a pivotal moment of personal transformation or enlightenment for the singer. The encounter with an unknown individual in Hindustan seems to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the singer's life journey. This meeting symbolizes a significant turning point, suggesting that this mystical land has the power to shape destinies and open up new possibilities. Overall, the lyrics of "Hindustan" capture a sense of awe, fascination, and discovery in the singer's exploration of this enchanting land.

Line by Line Meaning

Hindustan!
India, the land of wonder and beauty!

Where we stop to rest our tired caravan
A place where weary travelers can find respite and peace

Where the painted peacock proudly spreads his fan
Where nature displays its vibrant colors and magnificent creatures

Where the purple sunbird flashed across the sand
A land where even the smallest creatures are dazzling in their beauty

Where I met him, and the world began
The place where I found love and beauty, where life truly began

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Oliver Wallace, Harold Weeks

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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