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 / Do You Know The Way To San Jose
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Ive been away so long. I may go wrong and lose my way.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose.
L.a. is a great big freeway.
Put a hundred down and buy a car.
In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star
Weeks turn into years. how quick they pass
And all the stars that never were
Are parking cars and pumping gas
Do you know the way to San Jose?
They've got a lot of space. there'll be a place where I can stay
I was born and raised in San Jose
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose.
Fame and fortune is a magnet.
It can pull you far away from home
With a dream in your heart you're never alone.
Dreams turn into dust and blow away
And there you are without a friend
You pack your car and ride away
Ive got lots of friends in San Jose
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Cant wait to get back to San Jose.
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's song "Alfie / Do You Know The Way To San Jose" delve into themes of introspection, purpose, love, and finding solace in a familiar place. In the first set of lyrics, the songwriter poses profound questions to Alfie, pondering the meaning of life and whether it is about giving or taking. There is a contemplation on the dichotomy between kindness and cruelty, with a hint at the notion that sometimes it may be wiser to be cruel in a harsh world. The idea of strength and the concept of a "golden rule" are also touched upon, questioning what one may lend or contribute to others based on their beliefs.
The chorus of the song shifts the focus to love, asserting that belief in love transcends religious beliefs and is a universal concept that even non-believers can hold onto. The importance of finding true love is emphasized, suggesting that without it, life is merely an existence devoid of true meaning. The message to let one's heart guide them in the search for love is a hopeful sentiment that love will eventually be found, bringing fulfillment and purpose to Alfie.
The second part of the song transitions to the theme of longing for a familiar place, in this case, San Jose. The singer expresses a desire to return to San Jose to find peace of mind, indicating that the city holds a special significance and comfort for them. The lyrics contrast the allure of fame and fortune in Los Angeles with the idea of finding solace and contentment in a place like San Jose, hinting at the transient nature of success and the importance of inner peace.
The imagery of Los Angeles as a city of dreams where stars rise and fall, juxtaposed with the grounded sense of belonging in San Jose, paints a picture of the fleeting nature of fame and the enduring value of roots and connections. The singer acknowledges the magnetism of fame but ultimately chooses the familiar and comforting embrace of San Jose, where true friends and peace of mind await. The overall message of the song seems to be about the search for meaning, love, and contentment amidst the transient and sometimes harsh realities of life, ultimately finding solace in a place that feels like home.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, alfie?
What is the deeper significance of life, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
Are we merely existing for fleeting experiences?
What's it all about when you sort it out, alfie?
What do we discover when we fully analyze and understand our existence, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Is our purpose to prioritize self-interest over generosity?
Or are we meant to be kind?
Alternatively, should kindness and compassion be our guiding principles?
And if only fools are kind, alfie,
If being kind is a trait of the foolish, Alfie,
Then i guess it's wise to be cruel.
then perhaps adopting a cruel attitude is considered wisdom.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
If existence is reserved solely for the powerful, Alfie,
What will you lend on an old golden rule?
What relevance does the principle of treating others as you wish to be treated hold?
As sure as i believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
Just as I am certain of the existence of a higher power, Alfie,
I know there's something much more,
I am aware that there is a greater reality beyond our physical existence,
Something even non-believers can believe in.
a truth that resonates with even those who do not subscribe to faith.
I believe in love, Alfie.
I hold a firm belief in the power and importance of love, Alfie.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
In the absence of genuine love, our lives become mere existence, Alfie.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
Unless you discover the love that has eluded you, your life feels devoid of meaning, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
As you move through life, allow your emotions and passions to guide your actions.
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
By doing so, you will encounter love at unexpected moments, Alfie.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Are you familiar with the route to San Jose?
I've been away so long. I may go wrong and lose my way.
Having been away for an extended period, I'm anxious that I might lose my direction.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Can you guide me back to San Jose?
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose.
I intend to return there in search of tranquility and mental clarity.
L.a. is a great big freeway.
Los Angeles is dominated by endless highways and fast-paced life.
Put a hundred down and buy a car.
With a small investment, you can acquire a vehicle.
In a week, maybe two, they'll make you a star
Within weeks, the entertainment industry may elevate you to fame.
Weeks turn into years. how quick they pass
As time flows, what started as weeks swiftly culminates into years.
And all the stars that never were
Many hopefuls aspiring to fame never achieve their dreams,
Are parking cars and pumping gas
Instead, they find themselves in mundane jobs such as car parking and fuel service.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Can you share the direction to San Jose once more?
They've got a lot of space. there'll be a place where I can stay
San Jose offers ample room and a chance for me to find a suitable home.
I was born and raised in San Jose
My origins and upbringing are rooted in the suburbs of San Jose.
I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose.
My intention is to return there for solace and mental peace.
Fame and fortune is a magnet.
Wealth and celebrity status have a tendency to attract individuals.
It can pull you far away from home
This allure can lead people away from their familiar surroundings.
With a dream in your heart you're never alone.
Having aspirations provides a sense of companionship and support.
Dreams turn into dust and blow away
However, when those dreams fade, they become insignificant and lost.
And there you are without a friend
In that moment of loss, you may find yourself isolated from others.
You pack your car and ride away
You gather your belongings and leave, seeking a new beginning.
I've got lots of friends in San Jose
I have many connections and a support network in San Jose.
Do you know the way to San Jose?
Can you tell me again how to get back to San Jose?
Can't wait to get back to San Jose.
I eagerly anticipate returning to the comfort of San Jose.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Hal David, Burt Bacharach, Burt F. Bacharach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind