One of the most popular tunes is that of Volare. It is one of the most well known tunes that is generally sung completely in Italian. It has been covered by several different artists down through the years. Its popularity, and noticeability, came from being played consistently in Italian restaurants. It was the feature very early on as Italian cuisine became more and more popular. As diners sat in Italian restaurants in Dublin like www.forno500.ie/, preparing to order Lasagne and Spaghetti Bolognese, this was the soundtrack to their eating experience. It struck a chord with its easy to remember main lyric, despite it being in Italian. It seemed to fit the food and decor. As a result it spent weeks in the charts and is still a popular tune to this day.
It was first released in February 1958 by Dominco Modugno. Two months later it got European wide coverage as it was Italys’ entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. It came third, back then there were only 10 entrants, rather than the huge number that there is today. It was then covered by several high profile recording artists such as Dean Martin (who mixed the English and Italian lyrics as he was fluent in both) and a more up-tempo version by the Gyspy Kings.
The lyrics speak of the ability of love to lift you up into the air. Volare means “to fly” and the song goes on to mention how you are cast up into the blue sky to be part of it.
