Bette Midler (December 1, 1945) is an American singer, actress, and comedia… Read Full Bio ↴Bette Midler (December 1, 1945) is an American singer, actress, and comedian, also known to her fans and especially in gay culture, as The Divine Miss M. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Jewish parents from New Jersey, and raised there. Midler relocated to New York City to pursue acting on stage, and in 1970 she began singing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in the city, where she became close to her piano accompanist, Barry Manilow, who produced her first major album, The Divine Miss M in 1973. She is named after the actress Bette Davis although Davis pronounced her name in two syllables, and Midler uses one.

During her career, she has won four Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards. She performed a new concert show, The Showgirl Must Go On, live five nights a week at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas in 2011 (together with Cher and Elton John).

Big Spender
Bette Midler Lyrics

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The minute you walked in the joint
I could see you were a man of distinction.
A real big spender,
Good lookin', so refined.
Say, wouldn't you like to know
What's goin on in my mind?

So let me get to the point.

I don't pop my cork for every guy I see.
Hey big spender,
Spend a little time with me.

Wouldn't you like to have fun, fun, fun?
How's about a few laughs, laughs, laughs?
I can show you a good time.
Let me show you a good time.

The minute you walked in the joint
I could see you were a man of distinction.
A real big spender,
Good lookin', so refined.
Say, wouldn't you like to know
What's goin on in my mind?

So let me get to the point.
I don't pop my cork for every guy I see.
Hey big spender,
Hey big spender,

Hey big spender,
Spend a little time with me.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bette Midler's song "Big Spender" tell a story of a woman who is attracted to a man she meets in a club. She sees him as a man of distinction and refinement, and she admits to wanting him to spend time with her. However, she also establishes some boundaries by pointing out that she is not interested in every man who walks into the club. She wants him to know that he is special and she is not an easy catch. She wants to have fun and share some laughs, but she is not interested in giving herself up easily.

The lyrics convey different messages depending on the interpretation of the listener. To some, the woman is a seductive and manipulative character who is looking for a good time, while others see her as an empowered woman who is not afraid to take charge of her own desires. The song's popularity can be attributed to its catchy tune and memorable chorus, which has been used in many movies and television shows over the years.

Line by Line Meaning

The minute you walked in the joint
As soon as I saw you enter this establishment

I could see you were a man of distinction.
I immediately recognized you as a distinguished individual.

A real big spender,
Someone who is known to spend a lot of money.

Good lookin', so refined.
You are very attractive and possess an air of sophistication.

Say, wouldn't you like to know What's goin on in my mind?
I am intrigued by you and wonder if you are curious about me.

So let me get to the point.
Let me be direct and upfront with you.

I don't pop my cork for every guy I see.
I am not easily impressed by just anyone.

Hey big spender,
You, a person known for spending lavishly.

Spend a little time with me.
Would you like to spend some time with me?

Wouldn't you like to have fun, fun, fun?
Don't you want to enjoy yourself?

How's about a few laughs, laughs, laughs?
Let's have some laughs together.

I can show you a good time.
I can provide you with a pleasurable experience.

Let me show you a good time.
I am eager to give you a memorable experience.

Hey big spender, Hey big spender, Hey big spender,
Repeatedly inviting the man of wealth to spend time with her.

Spend a little time with me.
Please consider experiencing an enjoyable moment with me.

Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, CTM Publishing, Lucky Libra Publishing
Written by: Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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