Mantovani was born in Venice, Italy and his father was the concertmaster of La Scala orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. His family moved to England in 1912, where he studied at Trinity College of Music in London. After graduation, he formed his own orchestra, which played in and around Birmingham. By the time World War II broke out, his orchestra was one of the most popular in England, both on the BBC and in live performances.
My Foolish Heart
Mantovani & His Orchestra Lyrics
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Beware my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
For they both give the very same sensation
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware my foolish heart
But should our eager lips combine
Then let the fire start
For this time it isn't fascination
Or a dream that would fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart
In Mantovani & His Orchestra's song "My Foolish Heart," the lyrics suggest that the night can be deceptively beautiful, and that one's heart may be easily led astray by love. The singer's heart is described as "foolish" and in need of care, because it is vulnerable to the line between love and fascination. The idea expressed here is that love and fascination can feel very similar, and can be difficult to distinguish from one another. The singer is cautious because they understand that the two emotions can be confusing and have the power to completely enthrall a person. The line "when you're locked in the magic of a kiss" suggests that the feeling of being in love is almost like being under a spell.
The second verse describes the physical closeness of the singer and the object of their affection, and the danger of letting physical intimacy lead them down a path they may not be ready for. The singer is aware that giving into their desires will inevitably lead to passion and the beginning of a physical relationship. The singer is cautious because they do not want to fall into an illusory trap of infatuation, only to have their love fade away. The lyrics then conclude that the singer’s love is genuine this time and a “foolish” heart has evolved into a “let the fire start” moment.
Line by Line Meaning
The night is like a lovely tune
The night is serene and beautiful like a pleasant song
Beware my foolish heart
Be cautious, as love can be deceitful and irrational
How white the ever constant moon
The moon shines consistently year after year, appearing white
Take care my foolish heart
Be mindful of your heart, which may be vulnerable to love's pitfalls
There's a line between love and fascination
Distinguishing between true love and strong attraction can be challenging
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
Under dimmed lighting and in a romantic atmosphere, the line between love and fascination may become even more blurred
For they both give the very same sensation
Both love and fascination can create similar, overwhelming emotions
When you're locked in the magic of a kiss
The moment when two people's lips are touching can be very powerful and full of emotions
Her lips are much too close to mine
The woman I am with is physically close to me, which can tempt me to act impulsively
But should our eager lips combine
If we end up kissing each other due to our heightened passion, it will ignite a flame within us
Then let the fire start
We should give in to our desires and let our passionate love ignite
For this time it isn't fascination
This time, the emotions we feel are not just a fleeting fancy
Or a dream that would fade and fall apart
This love is not just a temporary illusion that will eventually disappear
It's love, this time it's love
What we are experiencing is true love, and it's powerful and long-lasting.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ned Washington, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind