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".
Fade Away
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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That's what they say
In Burt Bacharach's song "Fade Away," he explores the concept of things coming to an end. The opening lines of the song state "Things fade away 'till it's over, That's what they say," suggesting that everything has its time and eventually must come to an end. This theme is further emphasized throughout the song, with Bacharach describing the fading away of love, memories, and time.
Throughout the song, Bacharach reflects on the emotions that come with things fading away. He talks about the sadness and regret that can come with losing something or someone, and he speaks of the inevitability of change. However, he also suggests that there is a beauty in the impermanence of things, and that the fact that things come to an end gives them a certain poignancy that they might not otherwise have had.
Line by Line Meaning
Things fade away 'till it's over
People often say that things gradually disappear until they completely come to an end.
It's hard to hear, but that's the way
Although it's difficult to accept, that's the reality of life.
Memories that stay are the memories
Only those memories that remain in our minds and hearts are the ones that truly matter.
That you made yesterday
These memories were created in the past and still have an impact on our present emotions and actions.
As you feel the way that you do
When you experience certain emotions, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and uncertain.
Just think of all the good things
Instead of dwelling on negativity, it's beneficial to focus on the positive aspects of life.
That we went through
Reflect on the happy moments and experiences that were shared with loved ones.
How can love be broken
It seems impossible that love could ever be destroyed or lost.
And bring you to your knees
However, when love fails, it can cause immense emotional pain and distress.
How can life be so unkind
The world can be cruel and unfair, causing hardships and heartache.
And leave you all alone
Challenging situations can leave a person feeling isolated and vulnerable.
But if we take a moment
If we pause and take the time to reflect on our experiences and emotions,
To remember all the good
Recalling happy memories can bring positivity and hope to difficult situations.
Forget the hurt we felt
Release the pain and hurt that may be weighing heavy on the heart.
I know we could
With a new perspective and focus on the good, it's possible to move past pain and find happiness once again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BURT BACHARACH, BURT F BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind