Sometimes childhood memories suddenly burst out of one’s memories and make us sit back on a relaxing chair with eye closed and enjoy the memories of the good old days. It happened to me yesterday – I was admitted in the hospital for some checks on me and there I was in a desolate hospital room all by myself. Soon after the onslaught of nurses and doctors for taking my blood sample, noting down my previous history and filling form after form, there was pin drop silence and quietness. I was all alone.
And then suddenly a melody started ringing and I was amazed to hear the once famous “Three coins in the fountain,” a song from the film with the same name which was once very popular among young boys and girls. Although it was made even before I was born and I even didn’t see this movie at all, I have special bonding with this song.
When I was a small kid, one of my aunts was an air hostess who would bring us chocolates, toys and coloured pencils from around the world. And one day she brought a beautiful cigarette box for my father. The moment she opened the lid of the box, there started ringing a beautiful music of the song “Three coins in the fountain.” That was the first time I heard of this song – a beautiful melodious melody that ingrained in my memory chip, which came alive suddenly yesterday. And I sat there on the hospital bed, with eye closed and listening to one my childhood’s favourite melody.
A little about the song itself and the film. The film was released in 1954 which is about three American girls looking for romance in Rome while employed at the American Embassy. It stars Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire, Jean Peters, Louis Jourdan, Maggie McNamara and Rossano Brazzi. The film won Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Color and Best Music, Song (for Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn for Three Coins in the Fountain). It was nominated for Best Picture. The melody of the song was written by Jule Styne, the lyrics by Sammy Cahn.
The song refers to the act of throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome while making a wish. The song was initially sung by Frank Sinatra, but due to some rechincal difficulties it was finally The Four Aces who sang the song, which instantly hit the US Billboard as the number one hit. Frank Sinatra’s recording topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in September and October that year.
Everyday, tourists from all over the world flock around the Trevi Fountain in Rome, make a wish and throw a coing
The song refers to the act of throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain in Rome while making a wish. The song was initially sung by Frank Sinatra, but due to some rechincal difficulties it was finally The Four Aces who sang the song, which instantly hit the US Billboard as the number one hit. Frank Sinatra’s recording topped the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in September and October that year.
A recording by Dinah Shore with orchestra conducted by Harry Geller was made at Radio Recorders, Hollywood, on March 24, 1954. It was released by RCA Victor Records as catalog number 20-5755 (in USA)[3] and by EMI on the His Master's Voice label as catalog number B 10730. The flip side of both recordings was "Pakistan" (source Wikipedia).
Listen to the song from any of the singers given below and enjoy its beautiful lyrics:
Three coins in the fountain
Each one seeking happiness
(Thrown by three hopeful lovers)
(Which one will the fountain bless?)
Three hearts in the fountain
Each heart longing for its home
(There they lie in the fountain)
(Somewhere in the heart of Rome)
Which one will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?
Three coins in the fountain
Through the ripples how they shine
(Just one wish will be granted)
(One heart will wear a valentine)
Make it mine! (three times)
Which one will the fountain bless?
Which one will the fountain bless?
Three coins in the fountain
Through the ripples how they shine
(Just one wish will be granted)
(One heart will wear a valentine)
Make it mine! (three times)
Listen to the song by:
Dean Martin (1955 Oscars)
3 comments:
Should watch his!
I first heard this song at your house. I believe it was part of the collection that your family received from AUK. Like you, this song brings back many memories of my childhood. Another song of the same vintage is "Que Sera Sera". Somehow I always associate the two songs as a group. Perhaps because it was at the same location and time I heard both for the first time i.e. at you house.
Thanks SAJS
Thanks MAK for joining me and enjoying what we once shared. Yes I do remember Que Sera Sera.
Post a Comment