Newley had a successful pop music career, with two number one hits in 1960: "Why?" and "Do You Mind?". He won the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "What Kind of Fool Am I", but he was also well-known for "Gonna Build a Mountain" and comic novelty songs such as his version of "Strawberry Fair". He wrote songs that others made hits including Goldfinger (the title song of the James Bond movie), and Feeling Good, which became a hit for Nina Simone. With Leslie Bricusse, he wrote the musical Stop the World - I Want to Get Off in which he also performed, earning a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. His other musicals included The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd (1965) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. The play was released in a film version in 1971.
Newley's vocal style has been recognised as a major influence on that of David Bowie. In recognition of his creative skills and body of work, Newley was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.
The shortlived 1960 ATV series "The Strange World of Gurney Slade" in which Newley starred, continues to have a cult following due to its postmodern premise that the Newley character is trapped inside a television programme. Apart from a repeat of one episode on Channel 4 in 1992, it has not been seen in the UK in recent years. The show's theme tune by Max Harris may be better-known today than the series itself.
His last feature role in the cast of EastEnders was to be a regular role, but Newley had to withdraw after a few months when his health began to fail.
Goldfinger
Anthony Newley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A spider's touch
Such a cold finger beckons you to enter his web of sin
But don't go in
Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold
Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
It's the kiss of death from Mister
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold
He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold
He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold
The song Goldfinger by Anthony Newley is a warning to a potential victim of the infamous Goldfinger, a character from the Ian Fleming novel that the song is named after. Through the lyrics, the singer describes the deceitful and dangerous nature of Goldfinger, who has the power to lure people into his trap with his golden touch. The opening line describes him as a man with the Midas touch, referencing the Greek mythology of King Midas who had the power to turn everything he touched into gold. However, unlike King Midas, Goldfinger's touch is like a spider's touch, pulling people into his web of sin.
Despite the allure of Goldfinger's “golden words” that he pours in people's ears, the singer warns that it is all a facade to disguise the lies and danger that lurks beneath. Goldfinger's love for gold is his primary motivation, and anyone who tries to come between him and his gold ultimately faces the “kiss of death.” The singer warns the listener to beware of the heart of gold because, in reality, it's cold and venomous. The final lines of the song emphasize Goldfinger’s fixation on gold, repeating the phrase “he loves only gold” to drive home the message.
Line by Line Meaning
Goldfinger, he's the man, the man with the Midas touch
This line introduces Goldfinger as a man who has the ability to turn everything he touches into gold, like the ancient Greek King Midas.
A spider's touch
This line compares Goldfinger's touch to that of a spider which lures its prey into its web.
Such a cold finger beckons you to enter his web of sin
This line suggests that Goldfinger's touch is cold and that he has a way of luring people into his corrupt world of greed and desire.
But don't go in
This line serves as a warning to those who might be tempted to enter Goldfinger's world.
Golden words he will pour in your ear
This line describes how Goldfinger uses smooth talk and flattery to lure people to his side.
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
This line suggests that, despite his seemingly attractive demeanor, Goldfinger's true motives can't hide the fear he instills in people.
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
This line suggests that someone who is precious, like a golden girl, can see through Goldfinger's deceiving nature when he tries to charm them.
It's the kiss of death from Mister
This line implies that anyone who gets too close to Goldfinger is in danger, and that his touch can be deadly.
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
This line serves as a warning to a girl, who may be attracted to Goldfinger's charm, that he has an ulterior motive and it's best to stay away from him.
This heart is cold
This line reiterates that behind Goldfinger's charm lies a cold, unfeeling heart.
He loves only gold
This line reveals that the only thing Goldfinger truly cares about is wealth and material possessions.
Only gold
This line emphasizes that Goldfinger's love for wealth is all-encompassing and that nothing else matters to him.
He loves gold
This line repeats the message that Goldfinger's only motivation is money and possessions.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kathie PERSICHINO
Bassey and Newley are very different singers. She pretty much "owns" every song she sings with her bold style. Newley is more of a poet/storyteller with his interpretations. Both are great, just different. A truly great song can be sung in many different ways and by many different types of singers and still have impact. Cudos to the writers for all their brilliant music! xo
Larry Davidson
Considering that he wrote it and without him she would not have recorded it the owner is subjective . . .
jja kiefte
The slight pause before "web of sin" and the chuckle at "but don't go in" are masterful!
Highland Fleet Lute
Indeed-o.
Patricia Knox
This man actually has a fantastic voice,!
F G
Patricia Knox oh yeah he's supurb he was buddies with Sammy Davis Jr. back in the day. they have a lot of great duets on you tube. both top notch.
Kathie PERSICHINO
The more I listen to this version.... I like it more than any other. Newley is awesome. Such a talent.
Raymond tovey
Nice Version .Basseys Version Over Rated .This is How it Should Be Done.
Juliaflo
Always a treat to hear the songwriter's version---Respect It.
Diane Casserly
I think this version is absolutely remarkable -it was done by one of the creators of the song and it is excellent with regards to the emotions and the phrasing of the words