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".
Don't Make Me Over
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now that I'd do anything for you
Don't make me over
Now that you know how I adore you
Don't pick on the things I say, the things I do
Just love me with all my faults, that way that I love you
I'm begging you
Don't make me over
Now that I can't make it without you
Don't make me over
I wouldn't change one thing about you
Just take me inside your arms and hold me tight
And always be by my side, if I am wrong or right
I'm begging you
Don't make me over
Don't make me over
Now that you've got me at your command
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
Now that I can't make it without you
I wouldn't change one thing about you
Just take me inside your arms and hold me tight
And always be by my side, if I am wrong or right
I'm begging you
Don't make me over
Don't make me over
Now that you've got me at your command
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
The song "Don't Make Me Over" by Burt Bacharach touches on a relatable theme of acceptance in a romantic relationship. The singer is pleading with their partner not to judge them harshly for their faults and quirks, but rather to love them completely, flaws and all. The repetition of the phrase "Don't make me over" emphasizes the singer's vulnerability and dependence on their partner's acceptance. The singer acknowledges their need for the other person in lines like "Now that I can't make it without you" and "Now that you've got me at your command," highlighting the power dynamic in the relationship. However, the focus remains on the plea for acceptance, with lines like "Accept me for what I am" repeated twice in the final verse.
The lyrics use metaphorical language to describe the singer's emotions and desires. For example, the line "Just take me inside your arms and hold me tight" is not only a literal request but also expresses the singer's need for emotional support and protection. Similarly, the phrase "Don't pick on the things I say, the things I do," uses language similar to that of a schoolyard bully, but instead of a physical fight, it's an emotional one.
Overall, "Don't Make Me Over" is a heartfelt plea for love and acceptance, with a message that remains as relevant today as it did when the song was released in 1962.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't make me over
Please don't try to change me.
Now that I'd do anything for you
I am in love with you, and I am willing to do anything for you.
Don't pick on the things I say, the things I do
Please don't criticize me for my imperfections.
Just love me with all my faults, that way that I love you
Please love me as I am, flaws and all, just like I love you.
I'm begging you
I am pleading with you.
Now that I can't make it without you
I need you to be happy, and I can't imagine life without you.
I wouldn't change one thing about you
You are perfect in my eyes, and I wouldn't want you to change.
Just take me inside your arms and hold me tight
Please hold me close and make me feel loved and safe.
And always be by my side, if I am wrong or right
Please stand by me no matter what, even if I make mistakes.
Don't make me over
Please don't try to change me.
Now that you've got me at your command
I am under your spell, and you have the power to hurt me.
Accept me for what I am
Please love and accept me as I am.
Accept me for the things that I do
Please don't judge or condemn me for my actions.
Accept me for what I am
Please love and accept me as I am.
Accept me for the things that I do
Please don't judge or condemn me for my actions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Hal David, Burt Bacharach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@robertorick6383
Whoever was playing that tympani was doing a tremendous job. You can feel the fury of the song as it raises to a crescendo by the fade out. The song was originally inspired by an offhand remark by Dionne Warwick when Burt & Hal David were trying to get a perfect recording of the song in 1962, and she just quipped by with annoyance "Hey, don't make me over, man!" Burt & Hal thought it would make a great title for the song.
@johndean958
These are the most fabulous arrangements that made me just love Burt Bacharach .Just such talent.I was 14yrs old and my uncle always played great music and was in a band and this was one of his 'casettes' at the time. I have that tape still and recently found the record.Cheers, just the best music to enjoy always.Thankyou so much for it.
@priscillawilson2634
What an amazing composer! I really dig this instrumental version.
@johndean958
thanks for these. My favourite versions of the instrumentals . Just brilliant music an arrangements. Thanks again.
@accasadams973
Thanks so much for posting this piece and the others from the same album. I had been searching for the album since fall 1978 --- when I listened to a copy that my landlady had while rooming in college. I had forgotten the album's name and figured I would never again hear "that album of Bacharach-David instrumentals." Much appreciated! P.S: I think Dionne Warwick's chart posting with this number was in 1962, not 1967.
@windel12002
I think you're right Accas, as she performed Don't Make Me Over on American Bandstand in '63. She recorded it August 1962. The song reached #21 on the Billboard Top 100 Singles Chart and # 5 on Billboard's Top 100 R&B Singles Chart.
@doloreshammond9409
I have this CD by Dion Warwick, She is awesome, And Burke Bacharach, His music is so added this world he is such a musician, With her voice and his music O it is so beautiful, I love it with all my heart.
@doloreshammond9409
I just love Dion Warwick. And then how Beautifully, The music Burt Bacharach, Put it in music with her beautiful voice and his wonderful wonderful musical vocalist, How awesome they both are. And once again she's a great singer.
@guillermochio-isoird6767
como he soñado con este tema...gracias Bruce
@BA-ro5eu
Amazing.. thanks so much for uploading