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".
Go Ask Shakespeare
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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It's a long time coming but I wait anyway
Till the dark clouds have all blown away
And the sun shines again
I keep trying; I've been holding on
Though the days are empty in a world that's gone wrong
Life's a miracle or a foolish tale
Go ask Shakespeare
Love's the answer like I said before
It's the one thing we needed maybe now even more
Love's the secret we've been looking for
Till the sun shines again
So I keep hoping; and I'm holding on
There a cold wind blowing but I know love is strong
There will come a day when the sorrow is gone
And the sun shines again
I keep hoping for a better day
It's a long time coming but I wait anyway
Life's a miracle or a foolish tale
I don't know;
Go ask Shakespeare
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's "Go Ask Shakespeare" convey a message of hope and perseverance during difficult times. The singer expresses a desire for a better day, but acknowledges that it may take a long time to arrive. Despite the emptiness of the world and the challenges of life, the singer continues to hold on and wait for the dark clouds to pass and the sun to shine again. The lyrics reference the great playwright Shakespeare, suggesting that perhaps he had some insight into the mysteries of life and love, but ultimately acknowledging that the answer may never be fully known.
Bacharach's use of imagery, such as the metaphorical dark clouds, creates a vivid picture of the singer's struggle with adversity. The repetition of the phrase "Till the sun shines again" reinforces the idea that the singer is determined to hold on and wait for a brighter future. The final lines of the song, "Life's a miracle or a foolish tale / I don't know; Go ask Shakespeare" suggest a sense of uncertainty, as if the singer is unsure whether life has any true meaning. However, the reference to Shakespeare, whom many consider to be one of the greatest writers in the English language, suggests that perhaps there is wisdom and insight to be found in literature and art.
Line by Line Meaning
I've been hoping for a better day
I have been praying and wishing for better times
It's a long time coming but I wait anyway
This has been taking quite some time, but I won't stop hoping
Till the dark clouds have all blown away
Until all the trouble and chaos is over
And the sun shines again
And better days return
I keep trying; I've been holding on
I continue to make an effort and endure through the hardship
Though the days are empty in a world that's gone wrong
Even though things are looking bleak and hopeless
Life's a miracle or a foolish tale
We can't decide whether life is a wonder or a foolish game
I don't know,
I am not certain
Go ask Shakespeare
You might have to consult the wisdom of Shakespeare for that answer
Love's the answer like I said before
I have already expressed my belief that love is the solution
It's the one thing we needed maybe now even more
It might be the only thing we need, especially during such critical times
Love's the secret we've been looking for
Love holds the key to the answers we've been searching for
So I keep hoping; and I'm holding on
I won't stop wishing and waiting patiently
There a cold wind blowing but I know love is strong
Despite the harsh conditions, I am confident that love can withstand it all
There will come a day when the sorrow is gone
Better days will arrive and the sadness will be lifted
And the sun shines again
And the world is painted in brightness and hope once more
I don't know;
I am still unsure
Go ask Shakespeare
Perhaps the wise words of Shakespeare can shed some light on the truth for me
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, ANDRE ROMELL YOUNG, BURT BACHARACH, BURT F BACHARACH, STEVEN KRIKORIAN, STEVEN M. KRIKORIAN, BURT F. BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind