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.
Where or When
Bert Kaempfert Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We looked at each other in the same way then
But I can't remember where or when
The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
But I can't remember where or when
Some things that happened for the first time
Seem to be happening again
And so it seems that we have met before
And laughed before, and loved before
But who knows where or when
Bert Kaempfert and His Orchestra's song "Where or When" is a sentimental tune about two people who seem to have a deep connection, despite not being able to recall where or when they met before. The song is reflective in nature, with the singer reminiscing about the similarities between the present moment and a vague memory of the past. Throughout the song, the singer describes the clothes, smile, and expressions of the person they are with, acknowledging how familiar and comfortable they feel.
The lyrics hint at the notion of déjà vu – the idea that something that is happening in the present has already been experienced in the past. The line "Some things that happened for the first time seem to be happening again" further supports this idea, suggesting that the characters are reliving a moment from their past, perhaps even subconsciously. The song is filled with yearning and a sense of longing for the past, even if the specifics are hazy.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems we stood and talked like this before
We talked in a similar manner in the past
We looked at each other in the same way then
Our gaze towards each other resembled the past
But I can't remember where or when
I don't recall the exact time or location of our prior interaction
The clothes you're wearing are the clothes you wore
Your attire is identical to what you wore before
The smile you are smiling you were smiling then
You smile in the same way that you did before
But I can't remember where or when
I cannot recollect the specifics of the time and place
Some things that happened for the first time
Certain occurrences that were new to me
Seem to be happening again
Appear to be recurring
And so it seems that we have met before
I get the feeling we have previously encountered each other
And laughed before, and loved before
And at one point we shared laughter and affection
But who knows where or when
Nevertheless, the exact details elude me
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Michael-b7r1s
Das ist DIE MUSIK aus den 60-ern , einfach fantastisch und schön zu hören 💫💫💫💫💫💫
@gisellewofford8821
I remember this music when I was 13 years old, now I’m 72. ❤
@PatyjudithFloreschaves
I like it very nuch !!!
@jeffreywick4057
68, here.
@philhurtado7269
I’m now 84, and my memory goes back just as well…great music, hopefully never to be forgotten!!!
@RosaSalinas-h5y
Yo tambien
@beatrizbeatriz3591
58 here😊
@hippy1002
60 years later.. still enjoy this
@olencareginadasilvabenaion6938
So do I.
@tnuag01
Agreed.