Quando, Quando, Quando (Tell Me When)

Album: Quando, Quando, Quando (1962)
Charted: 95
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • For non-Italian speakers, quando means "when," and in English this song is known as "Quando, Quando, Quando (Tell Me When)", with no question mark.

    With music by Tony Renis and original lyrics by Alberto Testa, this was a massive international hit in 1962. A bossa nova/samba type song, it was recorded by Pat Boone with orchestra conducted by Malcolm Lockyer. The song is usually recorded/performed with a full orchestra. The English lyrics are generally credited to Pat Boone, although they have also been credited to Ervin Drake. Whoever made the translation got it spot on.
  • This song has also been translated into other languages and used in a number of films, including The Easy Life (1962) The Blues Brothers (1980) After Hours (1985) and Superman Returns (2006). It was also used in the 2011 episode of The Simpsons titled "The Real Housewives of Fat Tony." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2
  • Engelbert Humperdinck's 1999 version made #40 UK.
  • The Drifters' 1965 version was used in a commercial that aired during the 2024 Super Bowl starring Jason Sudeikis, Dan Marino and Lionel Messi. In the spot, Messi kicks a soccer ball around on the beach while waiting for his beer.

Comments: 1

  • Tom Jent from UkCertainly doesn't sound like an Erwin Drake lyric!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.