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".
It's Love That Really Counts
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some other guy may give me diamonds and pearls
The kind of things that mean so much to some girls
But in the long run, baby, it's love that really counts
Believe me, it's love that really counts
And baby, after loving you
I'm here to say that no one else will do
Who cares if you don't show me Paris or Rome?
As long as you are here, I'm happy at home
'Cause in the long run, baby, it's love that really counts
Believe me, it's love that really counts
When other loves have come and gone
This love of ours will soon go on and on
So take me in your arms
And darling kiss me like only you know how to do
It's love that really counts, love that really counts
I'm tellin' you
(Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo)
The lyrics of Burt Bacharach's song "It's Love That Really Counts" conveys the idea that material possessions cannot replace love in a person's life. The opening lines of the song describe how some other guy might give the girl diamonds and pearls, the expensive things that make some girls happy, but in the end, it is love that truly matters. It does not matter if the guy does not take her to Paris or Rome, the girl is happy as long as they have each other. The chorus repeats the title of the song, emphasizing that love is the most important factor in any relationship, and nothing can replace it. The final lines of the song reiterate the importance of love, and how it is something that will last even when other loves come and go.
The song speaks about a universal truth - that love is what truly counts in life. People may try to find happiness in material possessions or in other forms of worldly success, but true happiness only comes from love. The song has a catchy melody, and the lyrics are easy to understand, making it a popular song. It was originally recorded by the Drifters in 1963, and has since been covered by various artists. One of the interesting facts about the song is that it was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, who have collaborated on several other popular songs.
Line by Line Meaning
Some other guy may give me diamonds and pearls
Material possessions are nice, but not as important as true love.
The kind of things that mean so much to some girls
Some women may be swayed by glittery things, but not me.
But in the long run, baby, it's love that really counts
True love is what is most valuable in the end.
Believe me, it's love that really counts
Trust me, I know what's important.
And baby, after loving you
After experiencing true love with you,
I'm here to say that no one else will do
I know that no one else will measure up.
Who cares if you don't show me Paris or Rome?
I don't need extravagant trips to be happy.
As long as you are here, I'm happy at home
Your presence is all I need to feel content.
'Cause in the long run, baby, it's love that really counts
Once again, I know what is truly important in life.
Believe me, it's love that really counts
I can't stress it enough.
When other loves have come and gone
Despite other fleeting relationships I've had,
This love of ours will soon go on and on
Our love will endure and grow stronger.
So take me in your arms
Hold me close,
And darling kiss me like only you know how to do
Show me your affection in your own special way.
It's love that really counts, love that really counts
Once again, I am reaffirming the true value of love.
I'm tellin' you
Believe me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BURT F. BACHARACH, HAL DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@susanvalerian2443
My favorite Shirelles song - I don't think anyone could sing it better.
@manolokonosko2868
The Divine Chord
@catman916
I really like Dionne Warwick's version which was originally made as a demo.