Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
It Happened in Monterey
Perry Como Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somewhere along the Rio Grande
Sadly I'm reminiscing, madly again I'm kissing
Someone along the Rio Grande
It happened in Monterey, a long time ago
I met her in Monterey, in old Mexico
Stars and steel guitars
Broke somebody's heart
And I'm afraid that it was mine
It happened in Monterey
Without thinking twice
I left her and threw away the key to paradise
My indiscreet heart, longs for the sweetheart
That I left in old Monterey
Making believe I'm merry
In ev'ry glass of sherry
I see the sparkle of her eye
And when I hear the cello
Tender and sweet and mellow
I hear the music of her sigh
It happened in Monterey, a long time ago
I met her in Monterey, in old Mexico
Stars and steel guitars
And luscious lips, as red as wine
Broke somebody's heart
And I'm afraid that it was mine
It happened in Monterey
Without thinking twice
I left her and threw away the key to paradise
My indiscreet heart, longs for the sweetheart
The lyrics of Perry Como's "It Happened in Monterey" depict a heartbroken man who is trying to find solace in his memories after losing his love in Monterey, Mexico. The man's imagination takes him to a place where he can feel some consolation somewhere along the Rio Grande. He is painfully reminiscing about the woman he loved, and he is compelled to kiss someone along the Rio Grande even though he isn't sure that it will make him feel any better.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "It happened in Monterey" to indicate that this place holds great significance to the man's memories. He recalls meeting a woman in Monterey, and reminisces about how the place was filled with stars and steel guitars. He describes the woman's lips as luscious, as red as wine, but acknowledges that he broke her heart, although his own heart is now broken too. He left her without thinking twice and threw away the key to paradise. Despite his indiscretion, he longs for the sweetheart that he left behind in old Monterey.
Line by Line Meaning
In my imagination, I'm finding consolation
Despite feeling sad, I am imagining ways to feel better.
Somewhere along the Rio Grande
This comforting thought is occurring to me somewhere near the Rio Grande.
Sadly I'm reminiscing, madly again I'm kissing
My sad thoughts turn to memories of kissing someone from the past.
Someone along the Rio Grande
This person I'm reminiscing about could be from the area around the Rio Grande.
It happened in Monterey, a long time ago
A significant event in my life occurred in Monterey a long time ago.
I met her in Monterey, in old Mexico
The significant event was meeting a woman in Monterey, which was in Old Mexico at the time.
Stars and steel guitars
Monterey was a place with a lively music scene.
And luscious lips, as red as wine
The woman I met had beautiful lips that reminded me of wine.
Broke somebody's heart
The woman I met caused heartbreak to someone, possibly myself at the time.
And I'm afraid that it was mine
I realize that I was likely the one whose heart was broken.
Without thinking twice
I acted impulsively, without considering the consequences.
I left her and threw away the key to paradise
I left the woman I met and, in doing so, gave up a chance of happiness and contentment.
My indiscreet heart, longs for the sweetheart
My heart that acted without thinking is regretful and wants the woman back.
That I left in old Monterey
The woman I regret leaving is the one I met in Monterey.
Making believe I'm merry
To cope with my regret, I try to pretend that I'm happy.
In ev'ry glass of sherry
Even when I'm drinking sherry, I'm still thinking about my lost love.
I see the sparkle of her eye
In my mind, I can see the woman's eyes and imagine her presence.
And when I hear the cello
The sound of a cello reminds me of her.
Tender and sweet and mellow
The cello's sound embodies the woman's tender, sweet nature.
I hear the music of her sigh
The cello's sound reminds me of the woman's soft sighs.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BILLY ROSE, MABEL WAYNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johncavanaugh1015
This brings back many lovely memories of the 1950's.
@irenemccann7032
One of my Favourites, but I loved everything he sang he was the best.
@imanim4844
Perry Como had such a beautiful voice! I love his music 🎶
@colinhiggs1701
Lovely voice 🤘💕
@hansli46
A touchingly lovely melody, sung by the best crooner to grace the airwaves and, later, television, Perry Como.
@irenemccann7032
What a voice, and the song is beautiful great melody and lyrics with meaning, not like today’s pap.
@waltergray7722
Thank you for sharing this gem. I love it ! !
@purplehit
Awesome.
@johnweston4558
Wonderful
@shantonov21
💚💚💚💚💚💚💚