Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian Am… Read Full Bio ↴Pierino Ronald "Perry" Como (May 18, 1912 – May 12, 2001) was an Italian American crooner during the 20th century. Throughout a career spanning more than half a century he recorded exclusively with the RCA Victor label after signing with them in 1943. He sold millions of records for RCA but he also pioneered a weekly musical variety television show which set the standard and proved one of the most successful in television history. His combined success on television and popular recordings has never been equalled by any other artist of the time. He was always noted for his relaxed attitude, an attitude which was reflected in his singing style. His was a beautiful voice, possessed by this former barber.

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.

Prisoner of Love
Perry Como Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Alone from night to night you'll find me
Too weak to break the chains that bind me
I need no shackles to remind me
I'm just a prisoner of love

For one command I stand and wait now
From one who's master of my fate now
I can't escape for it's too late now

I'm just a prisoner of love

What's the good of my caring
If someone is sharing those arms with me?
Although she has another
I can't have another, for I'm not free

She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping
Upon my knees to her I'm creeping
My very life is in her keeping
I'm just a prisoner of love

What's the good of my caring
If someone is sharing those arms with me?
Although she has another
I can't have another, for I'm not free

She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping
Upon my knees to her I'm creeping

My very life is in her keeping
I'm just a prisoner of love

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Perry Como's song "Prisoner of Love" speak to the experience of being trapped in a love that cannot be fully realized. The singer of the song is "alone from night to night," feeling "weak" and unable to "break the chains that bind" him. He is trapped because he is in love with someone who cannot be with him, and he cannot escape his feelings. He feels like a "prisoner of love" who is waiting for his love to give him a single command - a sign that she reciprocates his feelings - but he knows that he "can't escape" the hold that love has on him.

The singer's love is not a healthy one, as he admits that the woman he loves is already with someone else. He questions the point of "caring" for someone who is sharing their affections with another, but nevertheless, he remains devoted to her. He dreams of her constantly, feeling as if his "very life is in her keeping." The singer is driven to his knees, a sign of his vulnerability and longing, but still, he cannot escape the hold that love has on him.

The lyrics of "Prisoner of Love" speak to the powerlessness that love can hold over a person, even when it is unrequited or impossible. The singer is trapped by his desire for a woman he cannot have, and he knows that he is a "prisoner" to this feeling. The song is a melancholic reflection on the ways in which love can be both liberating and confining.

Line by Line Meaning

Alone from night to night you'll find me
I spend every night alone and by myself.

Too weak to break the chains that bind me
I am powerless to break free from the constraints of my love for this person.

I need no shackles to remind me
Even without physical restraints, I am bound by my feelings for this person.

I'm just a prisoner of love
I am trapped and unable to escape the hold that love has over me.

For one command I stand and wait now
I am fully obedient and subservient to the person I love, and I do whatever they ask of me.

From one who's master of my fate now
I have given control of my life over to the person I love.

I can't escape for it's too late now
I am too far gone and in too deep with my love for this person to try to break free now.

What's the good of my caring
What is the point of me caring about this person if they belong to someone else?

If someone is sharing those arms with me?
Why put in the effort to love someone who is not fully committed and devoted to me?

Although she has another
Even though the person I love is with someone else.

I can't have another, for I'm not free
I am not able to fully give my heart to anyone else because of the hold that my love has over me.

She's in my dreams, awake or sleeping
I constantly think about and dream of the person I love, both day and night.

Upon my knees to her I'm creeping
I am constantly crawling back to her, no matter what she does to me.

My very life is in her keeping
She holds the key to my happiness and my entire life is in her hands.

I'm just a prisoner of love
I am helplessly trapped in the grip of a love that I cannot escape from.

Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: CLARENCE GASKILL, LEO ROBIN, RUSS COLUMBO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@papaldanondo

5y↑1

Alone from night to night you’ll find me,
too weak to break the chain that binds me.
I need no shackle to remind me,
for I’m just a prisoner of love.

For one command I stand and wait now,
for one who ‘s master of my fate now.
I can’t escape, for it’s too late now,
for I’m just a prisoner of love.

What’s the good of me caring,
if someone else is sharing those arms with me?
Although she has another,
and I can’t have another,
for I’m not free.

She’s in my dreams, awake or sleeping,
upon my knees to you darling I’m creeping.
My very life is in your keeping,
for I’m just a prisoner of love.

What’s the good of me caring,
if someone else is sharing those arms with me?
Although she has another,
I can’t have another, for I’m not free.

She’s in my dreams, awake or sleeping,
upon my knees to you my heart is weeping.
My very life is in your keeping,
for I’m just a prisoner of love.

All comments from YouTube:

@Twom44

13y↑60

This is the song that my dad used to sing when he would come stumbling drunk into the house. We knew he was plastered when he was singing this. Dad also had a great voice. God bless his heart. I miss him every day.

@V0KAN

3y↑3

What an amusing memory. Bless you both.

@jimandconnie

7y↑51

This was my mom & dad's "song", 1946. Today (November 9, 2016), they would have been married 70 years! Happy Anniversary, Mom & Dad!

@neilnsue

14y↑12

I don't care how many versions of his songs that I hear, whether I like them or not, he is the best. He was an amazing talent-and a really good man!

@jessicadiola8196

Makes me feel a Prisoner of his beautiful song. Missed you Mr. C.❤.

@rosesuarez3372

41w

It's a nice, beautiful song of Perry Como, song of yesteryears, I love it 🎶🎵🎼🎧♥️♥️♥️😘😘😘

@AllBobsAllTheTime

10y↑29

Always amazing how Perry made it sound so natural and effortless.

@milkleg1

9y↑12

Funny how time goes by. I'm 75 and it seems like I just heard this song yesterday. One of my Dad's favorite melodies, especially when he had 'words' with my Mom.

@jayr8202

2y↑3

I was 10 and she was 8 when we heard this song and I told her I would like her forever or until her father was transferred to another military base 3 months later.

@mariecrispino8753

8y↑14

Love this song. I was 3 when this came out. I remember every word. Loved Perry Como.......her was also my mother's favorite crooner.

@loungepianoman

14y↑5

Perry was probably the best Crooner of the 50's so relaxed on stage he sang effortlessly and never disappointed. He became one with the audience. As with so many that came up durning the height of the Sinatra era he never got the recognition he rightfully deserved. I like a lot of Sinatra material but what's right is right

@neilnsue

6y↑27

Perry spent many of his career concentrating on his family, which many of his contemporaries did not, more important to have a career. He was so better than all of them!

@nurkenrustem6044

What about Dino?

@akrenwinkle

2y↑1

@@nurkenrustem6044 Despite a lot of folklore, Dean was a player, a philanderer, like Frank was. That didn't mean they didn't love their families. But Perry walked the walk.

@Corrie121

15y↑6

This is my favourite Perry Como song, and his rendition of "If" comes a close second. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post. Much appreciated.

@carlthompson4515

9y↑13

I grew up watching this person. He lived then, and as a kid I watched Gleason, Skelton, and many others, including Burnett. He mattered to me. Live On!!!

@garychigbrow8006

I'm pm

@terrywells4790

Carl Thompson , same here!

@pi2nuna219

3y↑2

Gee wiz Como, now I'm cryin' 😢

@loismahle7381

This brings me back to the days my dad would sing he had a voice like Mario Lonza. HE Would TEACH ME TO SING We would sing for our family. I
Love this memory.He would sing in the shower.Ii loved my dad. He had nothing but Class. I hope he still sings in heaven🗣o solomeo

@karenwilliams8285

6y↑6

A Favourite! His voice just is so perfect! I absolutely Love Perry Como !! Always have xx

@remotegod255

6y↑12

Great, classic, classy voice, beautiful string arrangement and I love how the horns are used. Interesting shifts from minor to major in the B section. The Number-1 song of 1946

@kauimanera726

Dear Aunty Clara told me this was her favorite song that she shared with her husband. He passed and left behind a broken-hearted widow who could not let him go. She said she was a prisoner of love bound in chains. She passed during the pandemic after loving John still - never letting him go. I’d like to think she is with him - with the only man she loved. Aloha My dear Aunty Clara.

@irenemccann7032

6y↑5

He is and was the best, he was only in three movies ,he admitted he wasn't an actor but boy could he sing .this is one of my favourite songs.

@user-bg1vj2wo2z

41w

Makes me think of my mother‘she loved him❤

@terrywells4790

6y↑2

Perry's version of "If I Loved You" was my favorite song in 1945, and still is, to this day! He had many great songs during the 40's and 50's. Oscar Hammerstein, who wrote the lyrics (Richard Rogers wrote the music) said "If I Loved You" was his personal favorite of all the many songs they wrote. Two other great ones were "Till the End of Time" and "Prisoner of Love." Nothing today compares to the beautiful music of the 30's, 40's and 50's...

@usacookie8288

My Dad was every bit the singer of Perry Como. Sang right along with his TV shows. Miss those days and miss my Dad.

@MsBeryl6

10y↑28

For those that say he was not "Well Known" Hey! he was in a lot of movies, and TV Shows. He was loved by everyone. including me.

@SuperHartline

9y↑5

MsBeryl6 Not well known?? In his day he was a household word. Very handsome guy, only 5' 6" however.

@Meira750

5y↑4

He had his own show for years in the late 50's early 60's. He was huge but he was a real straight arrow. Never a hint of scandal. He maintained a strict family friendly atmosphere on the show. When Patrice Munsel wanted to wear a strapless gown, he veoted her appearance because it wasn't "proper" for children, and he meant it!

@Billnn54

3y↑4

Only 'Not Well Known' by dweebs who have absolutely no knowledge of music earlier than their teen years.

@akrenwinkle

2y↑1

@@Billnn54 Who said he's not well known? I want names.

@ninanethery1502

We used to love his TV show- Sing to me Mr. C.

1 More Replies...

@Dr.Pepper001

12y↑2

This was recorded the year I was born (1946). Perry Como's voice is timeless. I enjoy him now as much as when I was growing up and watched his TV show. Kids today like his timeless songs such as And I Love You So, It's Impossible, and For the Good Times. He could cross over to Country Music and woo the ladies there, also.

@tarank9264

You still alive

@Dr.Pepper001

@@tarank9264 -- Yep, and still kicking my heels up high. But thanks for asking.

@blue45bj

11y↑1

Love this song and Mr. C Brings back wonderful childhood memories. Thanks for the posting.

@MagsB50

9y↑6

Handsome guy and amazing song!

@irenemccann7032

6y↑2

fABULOUS what a voice he was and always will be the best, also a great and good person, to be what he was in his profession where there's a lot of temptation says it all.

@LucidLiquidity

12y↑3

BEAUTIFUL.

@tonyfromconey2164

5y↑1

Great voice. I remember him mostly from his 1970s television Christmas specials.

@josephmacalino

13y↑2

1946? Wow! I like it very much. Thanks for uploading.

@irenemccann7032

3y↑1

One of his best, fabulous

@michaelalbert

12y↑3

My favorite PC song ever. Wonderful.

@drollie123

Unbelievably romantic. Love the intros's of Johnny's songs. Does not exist in our time.

@vincentlynch3652

I think this is an alternate version. Ah, a live version. Thanks!

@lesengir

14y↑3

Perry como, a man who needs no introduction, I also love lena horne version of prisioner of love.

@jamesmartin279

What a kind and manly voice with such heart and quality...at the barber listening to Perry....American Decency...

@RichardKoenigsberg

11y↑3

Perry's most soulful song.

@patrickderp1044

this deserves to be the number one on the Billboard year-end top singles of 1946 ...... and it was

@jimandconnie

12y↑6

This would have been my parents' 65'th anniversary (11/9/46). This was their song.

@daveellis3840

brilliant

@nereidamatoscolon

So beautiful

@teramech1

11y↑1

makes me look back to the history of music

@ian1332

10y↑6

This one's for you Mum RIP , XX

@janettewalker3991

11y↑4

Great record but I still really love Columbo singing his own song.

@JanetRichards-gh6rr

22w

Beutiful!

@priyokabi

The BEST crooner of all time. Voice like silk

@bwsmyhero

I became acquainted with this song through a set of albums my mom bought called “Greatest Love Songs of the Century”. I think it was through either Time-Life or Readers’ Digest, or something like that. Anyway, I fell in love with this song more than all the others. This one is not the exact same version that was on that set of albums, but hey, it was Perry Como and it was beautiful.

@robertlindsay2131

7y↑3

my kind of guy R. I. P.

@AllBobsAllTheTime

11y↑2

Agreed - Brother James did a great cover for the next generation!!!

@lilien231

9y↑2

A m a z i n g ... <3

@akrenwinkle

I'm an embryo and I really like this kind of music.

@luissantos917

5y↑1

Música linda.........Brasil

@sesshoumaruluna3115

Brasil...Brasil...

@AyerGuillen

4y↑2

Tony and Junior

@andreacolombo2369

5y↑1

To me from 1:19 to 2 it seems like listening a 1930' s bing Crosby' s record. Although Perry 's voice was not as Low as bing' s one, Como was a baritone too

@harveytubban1519

5y↑6

2019?😓

@KojiRecords

14y

This version is very, very nice but the much later, definitive version came in 1966 when it became a pop-crossover hit for James Brown, see James Brown-Prisoner of Love 1966 The Ed Sullivan Show---the same lyrics but a total different take from Perry, who sings about being a "prisoner," to James, who IS the "prisoner." Wonderful song...

@angelopolozzi7240

7y↑2

voce celestiale

@henochparks

11y

ME TOO!

@jamesmartin279

When tributes to real love were written.."On the street where you live...Love is a many splendored thing". "What the world needs now is love sweet love.". Lyrics like.."For once in my life I have someone who needs me...". And God's love song...John 3:16

@papaldanondo

5y↑1

@sergiodemerdjian2627

Ok, guys, just listen to Sinatra's rendition of this song, and you will hear the difference of excellent emotions Sinatra emits through the story of this song, also Don Costa's arrangements make a huge difference, Costa was a genius in strings.

@jessicadiola8196

Hi
You can have your Frank Sinatra.

@mkl62

13y

To all you pro wrestling fans: This was the #1 song in the USA when Andre Roussimoff came into the world (May 19, 1946). He would become famous as Andre the Giant.

@loungepianoman

14y

@larrydonguy I hope you didn't misunderstand...I never meant to imply Perry was not well known I just think he should have had more recognition just like Jimmy Roselli which is a tragic story of the mis-directed strength of Sinatra

@larrydonguy

14y↑1

@loungepianoman For about two decades Perry Como was every bit as well known as Sinatra, in part, because Perry had his own popular long-running television show. Late in both of their careers Sinatra's fame and reputation as an artist eclipsed Perry's for a variety of reasons. One, unfortunately, was because of Frank's more entertaining personal life, but another was because of Frank's (in my opinion) better and more sophisticated choice of material. Unlike Perry, Frank rarely did novelty songs.

@maydom04

Is Perry's the first version? the Net says it was written in 1931. I think James Brown did his rendition in 1963. Another great version , also 1963 i think , is Susan Blake on KELIT RECORDS 45...I don't think it is on Youtube.....will post when I get time!

@rjennings6212

The first version of the song was in 1931. Music by Russ Columbo and lyrics by Leo Robin and was sung the same year by Columbo

@maydom04

Thanks, I like Russ Culombos original as well!

@Comofan100

13y↑1

comofan100 to me as a perry como fan he was the best. Sinatra came nowhere near Perry's voice, ,Sinatra's voice was rougher, he would not have sounded as good singing on his own without an orchestra.

@stylesclash101

11y

I like James Brown's version of the song the best.

@swaregirl

12y↑1

Try listening to his rendition of The Lords Prayer.

@kristenmorgensternmusic

10y↑1

@scotnick59

This is NOT the famed version,m but rather an alternate "take": live yet!

@joannvansteenkiste9669

Papa loves mdabo

@nicholasperkins4655

5y↑1

Utada Hikaru sent me here in 2019

@BaseballPlayer0

to similar to everybody needs somebody

@chasingmycolejmillion521

i just so happen to stumble upon this while looking for beautiful lyrics to post on IG....

You think He could have imagined that his Work from 1946 would still be heard in 2020.... by a Gay Black Man? how the world have change 🤯🤯🤯😲😲😲

P.S the Coronavirus change the all our lives. and all the comments will go down in History Too

@sliknik99

14y

Sweet !!! I found this song through billboardvideos. net

@WhiteOnZtiP

2:56 mr.Bush,sir?

@johnweston4558

36w

Great 1:19

@wk1810

Thought the thumbnail was George W.

@WhiteOnZtiP

2:32 Mr.Bush?

@paige3933

A BuzzFeed article brought me here

@joeynighttrain1126

5y↑1

James Brown brought me here 👍

@eblackadder3

10y

This is a different take.

@rwkc3004

3y↑1

The Sopranos

@kaivaz6076

Next come heavy or not at all :-)

@mr.warmth1511

im diabetic so i must eat

@sheilabrewster6810

How pathetic. I feel sorry for any guy that couldn't break loose from a woman who dictates to him and he creeps on his knees for her. I believe in Love but this is sheer Masochism.