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".
Alfie: Alfie
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
Burt Bacharach's "Alfie" is a contemplation on the meaning and purpose of life. The song's narrator directs his questions to Alfie, who seemingly represents a young man living with a carefree attitude to life. The central question posed in the song is "What's it all about, Alfie?", and it is repeated throughout the song, thereby underlining the seriousness and significance of the query. The song meditates on the fleeting nature of life and laments the fact that people are often too focused on living in the moment instead of contemplating the bigger picture. Alfie is interrogated about the relationship between giving and taking, and the singer wonders if being kind is foolish or wise. He also probes the issue of whether life belongs only to the strong and what this means for those who are weak.
Despite the uncertainties about the meaning of life, the singer remains convinced that love is the most significant thing in life. He believes in the power of love to give purpose and meaning to life. He declares that without love, people merely exist, and it is only when they find true love that they begin to live. The song's narrator encourages Alfie to let his heart lead the way when he walks because that is where he will find love.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie
Alfie is being asked about the meaning of life and existence
Is it just for the moment we live
The question is whether life is just a temporary experience
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Once Alfie has tried to understand life, what is the conclusion?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Is life about benefiting oneself or others?
Or are we meant to be kind
Is kindness the purpose of life?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
If kindness is not valued, does it then become a foolish act?
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
If kindness is foolish, it might be wise to be cruel instead
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
If only the strong can survive, what is the fate of the weak?
What will you lend on an old golden rule
What is the value of following traditional moral principles?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
The artist is certain about the existence of heaven
I know there's something much more
The singer believes there is more to life than what meets the eye
Something even non-believers can believe in
Whatever that 'something more' is, it is not exclusive to believers
I believe in love, Alfie
The singer's belief is that love is that 'something more'
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Without love, life is devoid of meaning
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
If one has not experienced true love, they have not truly lived
When you walk let your heart lead the way
The artist advises Alfie to follow his heart
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
If Alfie follows his heart, he will eventually find true love
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind