About the song
“That’s Amore” is an enduring classic that epitomizes the charm and charisma of Dean Martin, one of the most beloved figures in mid-20th century American pop culture. Released on November 7, 1953, the song quickly became a signature hit for Martin, further cementing his status as a top performer of the era. Written by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Jack Brooks, “That’s Amore” translates to “That’s Love” in Italian, capturing the romantic essence of its title.
The song made its first major appearance in the Paramount Pictures comedy film *The Caddy*, which debuted on August 10, 1953. In this film, Martin performs the song with his comedic partner, Jerry Lewis. Lewis, hoping to give Martin a hit, secretly funded the songwriting efforts with a generous sum of $30,000. While the song was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, it ultimately lost to “Secret Love” from *Calamity Jane*. Despite this, “That’s Amore” soared in popularity, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard charts and becoming one of Martin’s most recognizable hits.
The recording of “That’s Amore” was made at Capitol Records’ Hollywood studios on August 13, 1953, with Dick Stabile conducting the orchestra. Its success was bolstered by its memorable melody and Martin’s smooth vocal delivery, qualities that have allowed it to remain a beloved standard. The track’s popularity extended beyond its initial release, featuring prominently in several films such as *Rear Window* (1954), *Moonstruck* (1987), and *Stuart Little* (1999). It also found a place in various other media, including video games and TV shows, contributing to its lasting appeal.
Music critic Joe Queenan has described “That’s Amore” as a charming yet somewhat playful parody of Neapolitan music, reflecting a post-World War II fascination with Italian romance and culture. The song’s success and its association with Dean Martin have made it a symbol of both the singer’s career and the nostalgic allure of 1950s pop music.
In addition to its commercial success, “That’s Amore” has been referenced in numerous retrospectives of Dean Martin’s career and has influenced various artists and performances. It was used as the title for a 2001 video retrospective and inspired the title of Martin’s son Ricci Martin’s 2002 biography, *That’s Amore: A Son Remembers Dean Martin*. Through its continued presence in popular culture, “That’s Amore” remains a testament to Dean Martin’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of classic pop music.
Video
Lyrics
(In Napoli where love is king
When boy meets girl here’s what they say)When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
That’s amore
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine
That’s amore
Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you’ll sing “Vita bella”
Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay
Like a gay tarantellaWhen the stars make you drool just like a pasta e fasule
That’s amore
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
You’re in love
When you walk in a dream but you know you’re not dreaming, signore
Scusa mi, but you see, back in old Napoli
That’s amoreWhen the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie
That’s amore (That’s amore)
When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine
That’s amore (That’s amore)
Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling, ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you’ll sing “Vita bella” (Vita bell—Vita bella)
Hearts will play tippy-tippy-tay, tippy-tippy-tay
Like a gay tarantella (lucky fella)When the stars make you drool just like a pasta e fasule
That’s amore (That’s amore)
When you dance down the street with a cloud at your feet
You’re in love
When you walk in a dream but you know you’re not dreaming, signore
Scusa mi, but you see, back in old Napoli
That’s amore (amore)
That’s amore