He was born in Hamburg, Germany, and studied at the School of Music there. A multi-instrumentalist, he was hired by Hans Busch to play with his orchestra before serving as a bandsman in the German Navy during World War II. He later formed his own big band, toured with them, then worked as an arranger and producer, making hit records with Freddy Quinn and Ivo Robic. In 1961, he hired The Beatles to back Tony Sheridan on "My Bonnie (Lies Over the Ocean)," "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Ain't She Sweet" and "Cry for a Shadow," in a session for Polydor. These turned out to be the Beatles' first commercial recordings. When Beatles manager Brian Epstein asked Kaempfert about further promoting The Beatles, Kaempfert informed Epstein that the company was only interested in The Beatles as Tony Sheridan's backup group. (It also turned out British Decca executive Dick Rowe turned them down in favor of local beat combo Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.) He then released The Beatles from their contract with Polydor.
Lonesome
Bert Kaempfert Lyrics
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Cars and girls are easy come by in this day and age
Laughing, joking, dreams, weed smoking, till I've spent my wage
When I was young, people spoke of immorality
All the things they said were wrong are what I want to be
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) I bounce a ball that's square and round(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) I bounce a ball that's square and round
When will it end? (When will it end?)
When will it end? (When will it end?)
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)
I find comments 'bout my looks irrelativity
Think I'll go and have some fun, 'cause it's all for free
I'm not searchin' for a reason to enjoy myself
Seems it's better done than argue with somebody else
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) I bounce a ball that's square and round
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
(Hey) I bounce a ball that's square and round
When will it end? (When will it end?)
When will it end? (When will it end?)
The song "Lonesome" by Bert Kaempfert is an introspective track that reflects on the singer's carefree and hedonistic lifestyle. He acknowledges that the modern world provides easy access to material possessions and pleasure-seeking activities such as cars, girls, laughing, joking, dreams, and weed smoking. However, the singer is also aware of the criticism aimed at his lifestyle and the moralities of the past that no longer apply to the present.
The chorus, featuring the repeated phrase "Hey, hey, hey, hey," appears to be a sort of mantra that the singer uses to cope with these contradictions. He reflects on bouncing a ball that's square and round, an obvious contradiction that represents the paradoxical nature of his life. Ultimately, he questions when this cycle of pleasure-seeking and criticism will come to an end.
Overall, "Lonesome" explores the struggles of finding meaning and purpose in a society that values materialistic excess and instant gratification.
Line by Line Meaning
(Hey, hey, hey, hey)
The song begins with a series of musical exclamations.
Cars and girls are easy come by in this day and age
In contemporary times, it is not difficult to obtain material possessions and romantic partners.
Laughing, joking, dreams, weed smoking, till I've spent my wage
Spending money on leisurely pursuits such as humor, aspirations, and drug use to the point of financial depletion.
When I was young, people spoke of immorality
In the artist's earlier years, there was talk of unethical behavior.
All the things they said were wrong are what I want to be
The artist has a desire to partake in behavior that was once deemed improper.
(Hey) over, under, sideways, down
The chorus repeats a sequence of movements, which may serve as a metaphor for life's unpredictable journey.
(Hey) I bounce a ball that's square and round
The singer engages in an activity that defies logic and convention, mirroring their rebellious nature.
When will it end? (When will it end?)
The repetition of this question expresses a sense of weariness or dissatisfaction with the current state of things.
I find comments 'bout my looks irrelativity
The artist disregards criticisms of their appearance as irrelevant.
Think I'll go and have some fun, 'cause it's all for free
The artist decides to pursue enjoyment because it does not require payment or compromise.
I'm not searchin' for a reason to enjoy myself
The singer does not need justification for finding pleasure in life.
Seems it's better done than argue with somebody else
The artist prioritizes actions over disputes, implying that arguing is a waste of time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Berthold Kaempfert, Herbert Rehbein, Milton Gabler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind