Lisbon Antigua
Nelson Riddle Lyrics

The lyrics of Nelson Riddle's "Lisbon Antigua" describe a passionate love affair between two people in Lisbon, Portugal. The singer reminisces about giving their heart to their lover in Lisbon and being under the spell of their charms. The two lovers shared a blissful moment in each other's arms and found a love that was true. The lyrics paint a picture of a picturesque Lisbon which was gay in the moonlight, with stars shining above, and the singer found their love during such a magical night. The singer marvels at the strangeness of their love and the beauty that caused them to surrender. The last stanza of the original Portuguese version, which was not included in the English version, is also about Lisbon, describing it as an old and noble city filled with charm and beauty but also lamenting that it will never return to its past glory when there were parties, serenades, and lively performances.

One interesting fact about "Lisbon Antigua" is that it was originally a Portuguese song called "Lisboa Antiga" with lyrics by Amália Rodrigues and José Galhardo, and music by Raúl Portela. The song was first performed by Rodrigues in the 1930s and became a classic Portuguese song. It was later adapted by American songwriter Harry Dupree and re-titled as "Lisbon Antigua" with English lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy. The English version became an international hit, reaching No. 1 on the US Billboard chart in 1956.

Another interesting fact about the song is that it was popularized in the United States by bandleader, Nelson Riddle, who recorded the instrumental version of the song, featuring his signature lush strings and brass arrangements. The song was also featured in the film "Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N." in 1951, in which Amália Rodrigues sings the original Portuguese version.