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".
I Just Dont Know What To Do With Myself
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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I just don't know what to do with myself
I'm so used to doing everything with you
Planning everything for two
And now that we're through
I just don't know what to do with my time
I'm so lonesome for you, it's a crime
Parties make me feel as bad
When I'm not with you, I just don't know what to do
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
I need your sweet love to beat all the pain
I just don't know what to do with myself
I just don't know what to do with myself
Baby, if your new love ever turns you down
Come back, I will be around
Just waiting for you, I don't know what else to do
Don't know what else to do
I don't know what else to do
I'm still so crazy for you
Oh, oh, oh
In "I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself," Burt Bacharach paints a picture of overwhelming loneliness after a devastating breakup. The singer is lost without their partner, having grown accustomed to doing everything with them. The lyrics convey a sense of emptiness and aimlessness as the singer tries to find something to fill the void left after the relationship ended. Even going to a movie or attending a party can't provide any solace, as the singer only feels more alone without their significant other.
The verses use a series of metaphors to describe the singer's feelings. Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain, the singer needs their partner's love to ease their pain. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the desperation and hopelessness of the situation. The singer doesn't know what else to do with themselves without their partner, and even promises to be waiting if their love ever turns them down.
Line by Line Meaning
I just don't know what to do with myself
I am lost and confused about how to spend my time without you.
Don't know just what to do with myself
I am unsure of what activities or tasks to engage in without you.
I'm so used to doing everything with you
I have grown accustomed to performing tasks and making plans with you by my side.
Planning everything for two
I have always made plans that involve both you and me.
And now that we're through
Our relationship has come to an end.
I just don't know what to do with my time
I have a surplus of time and do not know how to fill it without you.
I'm so lonesome for you, it's a crime
I am extremely lonely and sad without you, it feels like a punishable offense.
Going to a movie only makes me sad
Engaging in activities I used to enjoy with you now only evoke feelings of sadness.
Parties make me feel as bad
Even attending social events elicit negative emotions without you by my side.
When I'm not with you, oh, I just don't know what to do
Without you, I am lost and do not know how to function or spend my time.
Like a summer rose needs the sun and rain
Just like a summer rose requires sunlight and water, I need your love to overcome my pain.
I need your sweet love to beat all the pain
Your love is necessary to help me cope with the pain and emotions from our breakup.
Baby, if your new love ever turns you down
If your new relationship experiences disappointment or heartbreak,
Come back, I will be around
I will be here for you, should you choose to return to our relationship.
Just waiting for you, I don't know what else to do, oh
I am simply waiting for your return as I am at a loss of how to spend my time without you.
Don't know what else to do
I have no additional ideas or plans for how to spend my time without you.
I don't know what else to do
I am out of options for how to spend my days without you in my life.
With myself
On my own, without you by my side.
Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, O/B/O DistroKid, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Hal David, Burt F. Bacharach
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind