Lopez made his name on the club circuit of the Southwestern United States before being 'discovered' in 1962 playing at the club PJ's in Hollywood, California, by record producer Don Costa. Costa was taken with Lopez's latinized versions of contemporary hits and signed him up to Frank Sinatra's record label, Reprise Records. His debut album, Trini Lopez Live at PJ's, was released in 1963. The album included a version of If I Had a Hammer, which reached number one in 36 countries (No. 3 in the United States) and was a radio favorite for many years. He also performed his own version of the traditional Mexican song La Bamba on the album; his recording of the tune was later re-issued as a single in 1966.
His popularity led the Gibson Guitar Corporation to ask him in 1964 to design a guitar for them. He ended up designing two: The Trini Lopez Standard, a rock and roll model based on the Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow body, and the Lopez Deluxe, a variation of a Gibson jazz guitar designed by Barney Kessel. Both of these guitars were in production from 1964 until 1971 and are now highly sought after amongst collectors. Some owners of the guitar include Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters and Noel Gallagher of Oasis.
He scored 13 chart singles through 1968, including "Lemon Tree" (1965), "I'm Comin' Home, Cindy" (1966) and "Sally Was a Good Old Girl" (1968). On the adult contemporary chart, he ranked up 15 hits, including the Top 10 singles "Michael" (1964), "Gonna Get Along Without Ya' Now" (1967) and "The Bramble Bush" (1967). Beyond his success on record, he became one of the country's top nightclub performers of that era, regularly headlining in Las Vegas, Nevada.
During the 1960s and 1970s Lopez moved into acting, though his film career was not as successful as his music. His first film role was in Marriage on the Rocks (1965), in which he made a cameo appearance in a nightclub scene; Lopez's soundtrack song, "Sinner Man", became a hit single (No. 54 pop/No. 12 adult contemporary). He was one of The Dirty Dozen (1967) and starred in Antonio (1973). He made two appearances (playing different characters) on the television program, Adam 12. He continued his musical career with extensive tours of Europe and Latin America during this period; an attempt to break out by releasing a disco album in 1978 proved a flop.
Since then, Lopez has done charitable work and received honors such as being inducted into the International Latin Music Hall of Fame in 2003. He was still recording and appearing live in the early 2000s. Recently he took part in a benefit concert to raise money for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.
Wherever You Are
Trini Lopez Lyrics
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Are you sincere when you say "I'll be true?"
Do you mean every word that my ears have heard?
I'd like to know which way to go, will our love grow?
Are you sincere? (Are you sincere?)
Are you sincere when you say you miss me? (You miss me)
Are you sincere every time you kiss me? (You kiss me)
I'd like to know which way to go, will our love grow?
Are you sincere? (Are you sincere?)
Are really mine every day, all the time?
I'd like to know (I'd like to know)
Which way to go (Which way to go)
Will our love grow ? (Will our love grow?)
Are you sincere?
The song "Are You Sincere" by Trini Lopez is a classic mid-century ballad that explores the questions and doubts that arise in the early stages of a romantic relationship. The singer asks his lover if they are truly sincere in their words and actions towards him. He wonders if the expressions of love and commitment are genuine or simply empty gestures. He is seeking reassurance before he can fully invest his heart and soul into the relationship.
The lyrics express the vulnerability and insecurity that come with opening oneself up to love. The singer is hoping for an honest reply from his partner that will give him clarity and direction on the path his emotions should take. The repetition of the question "Are you sincere?" throughout the song reinforces the sense of uncertainty and questioning that plagues the singer's heart.
Overall, "Are You Sincere" is a sentimental and poignant love song, capturing the essence of the doubts and hopes that accompany falling in love.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you sincere when you say "I love you?"
Do you truly mean it when you express your love for me?
Are you sincere when you say "I'll be true?"
Can I trust that you will always be faithful and honest with me?
Do you mean every word that my ears have heard?
Are your words genuine and truthful, or simply empty promises?
I'd like to know which way to go, will our love grow?
I need to understand if our relationship will continue to flourish or if it's time to move on.
Are you sincere? (Are you sincere?)
Can I trust that your feelings for me are authentic?
Are you sincere when you say you miss me? (You miss me)
Is your longing for me genuine or superficial?
Are you sincere every time you kiss me? (You kiss me)
Are your kisses an expression of your true feelings, or just a habit?
And are really mine every day, all the time?
Do I truly have your heart and your devotion?
I'd like to know which way to go, will our love grow?
I need clarity on whether our love will continue or if it's coming to an end.
Are you sincere? (Are you sincere?)
Can I believe in the authenticity of your love for me?
Are really mine every day, all the time?
Do you truly belong to me, and are your affections always directed towards me?
I'd like to know (I'd like to know)
I want honesty and openness in our relationship.
Which way to go (Which way to go)
I need guidance and direction in deciding the future of our relationship.
Will our love grow ? (Will our love grow?)
Do you see a future for us as a couple, or is our relationship stagnant?
Are you sincere?
Ultimately, I need to know if I can trust in the legitimacy of your love for me.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LUCKY MOELLER, WAYNE P. WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind