La Paloma
Dean Martin · Everybody Loves Somebody: The Reprise Years 1962-1 [2002]
When I left Havana nobody saw me go
But my little gaucho maid who loves me so
She came down the pathway following after me
That same little gaucho maid that I longed to see.
If at your window you see a gentle dove
Treat it with care and welcome it there with love
It may be so I do not deny its glee
Crown it with flowers grant love its hours for me.
Oh my darling, be mine
Won't you say that you love me
All my passions so tender
Oh, please surrender your love divine.
Ah my darling be mine
Won't you say that you love me
Oh my passions so tender
Oh, please surrender your love divine.
--- Instrumental ---
Oh my darling be mine
Won't you say that you love me
All my passions so tender
Oh, please surrender your love divine...
About La Paloma
Dean Martin's rendition of "La Paloma" exemplifies the smooth, crooner style that defined his career and cemented his legacy as a master of Latin American ballads in English. Originally a Spanish folk song, Martin transformed it into a quintessential mid-century pop standard through his distinctive vocal delivery and relaxed, sophisticated phrasing. This recording appears on the compilation *Everybody Loves Somebody: The Reprise Years 1962-1*, which gathers his finest performances from the early 1960s, a period where he collaborated with producers like Bob Crewe to refine his sound. The track showcases his ability to blend traditional melodies with a modern pop sensibility, making it a staple of his discography and a favorite among fans of classic American jazz and swing. Its enduring popularity stems from Martin's unique interpretation, which prioritized emotional subtlety and rhythmic precision over vocal ornamentation.