Bacharach studied music at McGill University and the Mannes School of Music. In the 1950s and the early 1960s he was the pianist, arranger and bandleader for Marlene Dietrich with whom he toured. He teamed with lyricist Hal David and others to write many popular songs in the 1960s and 1970s.
Bacharach's music has been sung by a number of popular singers including The Beatles,The Carpenters, Aretha Franklin, Jack Jones, Tom Jones, Dusty Springfield, Luther Vandross and The Drifters. He met Dionne Warwick, with whom he would form a famed collaboration. His songs are characterized by (1) the use of unexpected harmonic changes and (2) unusual rhythmic patterns and time signatures. He employs times such as 5/4 or 3/2, and frequently goes from one time signature to another in the same song, often after each measure. He also changes keys frequently. An excellent example of his style is "Promises, Promises", from his score to the musical of the same name. He has a total of 52 Top 40 hits. In addition, many of his songs were adapted by jazz artists of the time, such as Stan Getz and Wes Montgomery. The Bacharach-David composition "My Little Red Book", originally recorded by Manfred Mann for the film What's New, Pussycat, and promptly covered by Love in 1965, has become a rock standard. He composed and arranged the soundtrack of the 1967 film Casino Royale.
He has been married four times, to Paula Stewart (1953-1958), to actress Angie Dickinson (1965-1980), to lyricist Carole Bayer Sager (1982-1991) - with whom he collaborated on a number of pieces - and (since 1993) Jane Hanson. He has a total of four children, two girls and two boys.
In 1998 he collaborated on an album called Painted From Memory with singer/songwriter Elvis Costello. His 2005 album At This Time features collaborations with Costello, Rufus Wainwright, and Dr. Dre (who provides bass-and-drum loops).
Bacharach has had cameo roles in a number of Hollywood movies including all three Austin Powers movies. His music is also credited as providing inspiration for these movies.
During subsequent Burt Bacharach concert tours, each show would open with a very brief video clip from the movie Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, with Mike Myers (as Austin Powers) uttering "Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Burt Bacharach".
A House Is Not A Home
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even when there's no one sitting there
But a chair is not a house
And a house is not a home
When there's no one there to hold you tight
And no one there you can kiss good night
A room is still a room
But a room is not a house
And a house is not a home
When the two of us are far apart
And one of us has a broken heart
Now and then I call your name
And suddenly your face appears
But it's just a crazy game
When it ends, it ends in tears
Darling, have a heart
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there still in love with me
I'm not meant to live alone
Turn this house into a home
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
Oh, please be there still in love with me
Burt Bacharach's song "A House Is Not A Home" is a poignant ballad that speaks to the idea that even though objects and places may possess certain qualities or characteristics, they lack meaning without the presence of someone we love. Throughout the song, Bacharach uses the metaphor of a house to represent the idea of a home, emphasizing that a house can be a structure made of bricks and mortar, but without emotional significance; it lacks warmth, comfort, and security. On the other hand, a home is a place where we feel love, connection, and shelter from the world.
The first verse of the song introduces the metaphor of a chair, suggesting that even though a chair may be present, it is when someone is sitting on it that it becomes meaningful. The same is true for a house; it may be standing, but it is only when someone steps into it that it becomes a home. The second verse emphasizes that even though a room may look like it is empty, it is only when we feel gloomy that it loses its significance, and the same goes for a home. When we are far apart or when our hearts are broken, a home loses its meaning.
The bridge section of the song speaks to the longing for connection and the fear of losing it. The singer calls out to their loved one, hoping to see their face, but acknowledges that it is a "crazy game" because when it ends, it ends in tears. The chorus then returns with the plea to turn the house into a home. The singer emphasizes that they are not meant to live alone and begs their loved one to be there, still in love with them.
Overall, Bacharach's lyrics touch on the fragility of love and the importance of feeling connected to someone in our dwellings to create a home.
Line by Line Meaning
A chair is still a chair
A chair remains a chair even if empty.
Even when there's no one sitting there
The chair still has its identity as it is, despite no one occupying it.
But a chair is not a house
A chair alone cannot provide shelter and warmth, unlike a house.
And a house is not a home
A house becomes a home only when it is filled with love and affection.
When there's no one there to hold you tight
A house without someone to embrace and provide comfort is incomplete.
And no one there you can kiss good night
A home lacks love if no one is there to express their affection and end the night with a kiss.
A room is still a room
A room maintains its identity, whether it's empty or filled with objects.
Even when there's nothing but gloom
A room does not change even if it lacks cheerfulness or hope.
When the two of us are far apart
A home loses its warmth when separated from the ones you love.
And one of us has a broken heart
A home becomes empty when one of the two occupants is heartbroken and distant.
Now and then I call your name
The longing for the loved one is experienced as the name is called out occasionally.
And suddenly your face appears
As the loved one's face appears in the mind, there is a sense of comfort.
But it's just a crazy game
The emotions of the person are often treated as a game that plays with their thoughts.
When it ends, it ends in tears
The closure to this game often causes sorrow and heartache.
Darling, have a heart
The person pleads for the loved one to have compassion and empathy.
Don't let one mistake keep us apart
The person acknowledges their fault and pleads to not let it ruin the relationship.
I'm not meant to live alone
The person craves companionship and affection in their life.
Turn this house into a home
The person pleads to transform the dwelling into a place of love and comfort.
When I climb the stairs and turn the key
The person expresses their longing to return home to their loved one.
Oh, please be there still in love with me
The person hopes that their loved one still has affection for them and is patiently waiting for return.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidhertzberg
More from Burt Bacharach and Hal David:
B Bacharach / Dusty Springfield, 1967: The Look of Love - Philips PHS-600-256 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSFQp3nOvdo
Burt Bacharach, 1967: The Look of Love - "Reach Out" LP, A&M SP 4131- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33CR7s0kGzE
Burt Bacharach, 1967: Reach Out For Me - Burt Bacharach, Piano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65LF6cDJhKo
Bacharach / David / Dick Hyman, 1963: Wives and Lovers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrsVXxZmVqo
Burt Bacharach / Anita Kerr, 1970: Do You Know The Way To San Jose - Original DOT LP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVwaZsdWF5g
Bacharach / David / BJ Thomas, 1969: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head - Scepter 45 rpm Single -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhaXFUvBSsI
Bacharach / David / Janis Hansen, 1967: The Look of Love - Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIAg5ktlCWY
Burt Bacharach / Hal David / Ronnie Aldrich, 1968: This Guy's In Love With You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYcvALAH6Kg
@davidhertzberg
More from Burt Bacharach and Hal David:
B Bacharach / Dusty Springfield, 1967: The Look of Love - Philips PHS-600-256 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSFQp3nOvdo
Burt Bacharach, 1967: The Look of Love - "Reach Out" LP, A&M SP 4131- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33CR7s0kGzE
Burt Bacharach, 1967: Reach Out For Me - Burt Bacharach, Piano - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65LF6cDJhKo
Bacharach / David / Dick Hyman, 1963: Wives and Lovers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrsVXxZmVqo
Burt Bacharach / Anita Kerr, 1970: Do You Know The Way To San Jose - Original DOT LP - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVwaZsdWF5g
Bacharach / David / BJ Thomas, 1969: Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head - Scepter 45 rpm Single -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhaXFUvBSsI
Bacharach / David / Janis Hansen, 1967: The Look of Love - Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIAg5ktlCWY
Burt Bacharach / Hal David / Ronnie Aldrich, 1968: This Guy's In Love With You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYcvALAH6Kg
@Onyantakos
In my high school days in 1975, my English teacher, who passed away only at the age of 45, once introduced this song in her lesson. The song always remind me of her beautiful memories. R.I.P., and sending my gratitude for the uploading. From Tokyo.
@Thomas-ko3bn
RIP Mr.Burt Bacharach. Genius are forever.We will miss your beautiful and romantic songs.
@johnkeating362
Whenever I hear his music I think of my parents. His records were played in our home until they wore out. My husband and I were lucky enough to see he and Dionne Warwick in concert 3 times. My mom and dad are both gone now. I still remember the one time they got to go to one of his concerts. It was 1971 and we were spending the summer in California that year. They were so excited to see him. It all seems so long ago, but I still remember it as if it were yesterday.
@ayatollahkhomeinichangedth3220
His voice and face had the key to everyone’s memories and heart .Hutan. . G
@tracer740
@Hutan G - and strangely, as difficult to describe, so much a part of his music.
@francoriva55
At 1973 we were in Sardinian italy . I was 30 . And i remember beautiful time : sail , spider Alfaromeo Duetto red , my wife etc... Bacharach's music were with us .... !! From italy, Como lake, Varenna
@fob1xxl
In 1967, I was 21. I used to sing this song in my act. I was just starting out and I eventually fell in love. For 40 years, I was the luckiest guy in the world. Then in 2017 my love passed away. Ever since then my house has not been a home. This song reflects what all of us will someday eventually feel. I just never knew how much until it happened.
@shirleyfletcher1983
Mr Burt Bacharach I love all your music Sent From Heaven Angels wrapped around you how and Miss Dionne Warwick blessings from heaven the three
@vikingbrava2125
Our composer was died. In my heart he never dies. Your wonderful songs are your tremendous legacy. I love you Burt.