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).
I've Still Got My Health
Bette Midler Lyrics
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But I've still got my health, so what do I care?
My best ring, alas, is a glass solitaire,
But I still got my health, so what do I care?
By fashion and foppery, I'm never discussed.
Attending the opry, my box would be a bust.
I never shall have that Park Avenue aire,
The hip that I shake doesn't make people stare,
But I got such health, what do I care?
The sight of my props never stops a thoroughfare,
But I still got my health, so what do I care?
Your face is your fortune, so some wise men spoke.
My face is my fortune, that's why I'm totally broke.
My ship ain't come in, but I grin while I bear,
'cause I got my vitamins:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
I still have my.
Got no diamonds, got no wealth.
I got no men, but I got my health.
In the song "I've Still Got My Health", Bette Midler emphasizes the importance of being healthy despite lacking material possessions. The song's opening lines depict Midler as being unsuccessful in high-end social gatherings like top-notch affairs, but she contemplates the importance of the situation with the chorus, "But I've still got my health, so what do I care?". Midler portrays herself as a woman lacking glamour and suggests that she exudes a more earthy persona, perhaps a Bohemian, given her lack of admiration for the latest fashions and opulent opries.
In the second verse, Midler expresses that she does not have the social categorization of Park Avenue elite, but again reminds herself that she is healthy. The bridge reflects on the importance of good health - the true fortune she owns. The chorus of the song is a repeated reminder that good health is the ultimate wealth, as reflected by "I still have my.../ Got no diamonds, got no wealth/ I got no men, but I got my health." It is possible that on another level, the chorus is indicating that Midler is content with being single, with health as the only agenda.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm always a flop at a top-notch affair,
I never seem to fit into high-class events and parties.
But I've still got my health, so what do I care?
However, I have my wellbeing intact, so nothing else matters too much.
My best ring, alas, is a glass solitaire,
I don't have any valuable or extravagant jewelry.
But I still got my health, so what do I care?
But in the end, the state of my health is what truly matters.
By fashion and foppery, I'm never discussed.
I'm never considered a fashion or style icon.
Attending the opry, my box would be a bust.
Even my presence at a high-end opera would not make a difference.
I never shall have that Park Avenue aire,
I'll never have the luxurious lifestyle of those who live in Park Avenue.
But I'm in such health, why should I care?
Despite it, my healthy state is enough to keep me satisfied.
The hip that I shake doesn't make people stare,
My dance moves don't grab other people's attention.
But I got such health, what do I care?
But as long as I'm healthy, that's all that really matters.
The sight of my props never stops a thoroughfare,
Even with my belongings, I don't impede people passing by.
But I still got my health, so what do I care?
In the grand scheme of things, my good health is what truly matters.
Your face is your fortune, so some wise men spoke.
Many believe that one's appearance is their ticket to success.
My face is my fortune, that's why I'm totally broke.
However, my good complexion hasn't brought me much wealth or prosperity.
My ship ain't come in,
I haven't received any fortune or prosperity so far.
But I grin while I bear,
But I still carry on with a smile on my face.
'cause I got my vitamins:
Because I prioritize my health over wealth and material possessions.
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
Listing the various vitamins to emphasize their importance to her.
I still have my.
Her health remains paramount to her.
Got no diamonds, got no wealth.
She has no riches or valuables.
I got no men, but I got my health.
She may be single, but what she does have is her good health.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: COLE PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Coleen Wilson
on Wind Beneath My Wings
lovely song