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".
Once In A Blue Moon
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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The lights are dim
And my heart wonders
If I'll ever see you again
My tears are hungry
For an open door
When your arms held me
I'll be waiting
I'll be watching
Under a blue moon
The taste of heaven
Only happens
Once in a blue moon
Once in a blue moon
Do you remember
When the wind blew free
And we fit together
So naturally
If the wind closes a door
It will open another
The song "Once in a Blue Moon" by Burt Bacharach is a heartfelt ballad that reflects on memories and the possibility of rekindling past love. The lyrics paint a picture of a lonely moment in time, where the room is empty and the lights are dim. The singer is pondering whether they will ever see their lover again, and tears flow in longing for the familiarity of being held in their lover's arms. The singer vows to wait and watch for them under the rare occurrence of a blue moon, which symbolizes the rare chance of meeting again.
The song then delves into a flashback of sweet memories with their lover, reminiscing the moments when the wind blew free and they fit so effortlessly together. The song's climax comes with the optimistic thought that if one door closes, another will open. The usage of doors and windows here signify opportunities and hope, suggesting that the singer is willing to keep the possibility of reconnecting alive.
Overall, the song's emotional depth and lyrical prowess are Bacharach's signature style, exploring the themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, and hope. The lyrics effectively capture the tenderness of a once-thriving romance and the desire to relive those moments.
Line by Line Meaning
The room is empty
The place is devoid of people and life
The lights are dim
The light bulbs are not lighting up the room much
And my heart wonders
My mind is curious and unsure about something relating to my emotions
If I'll ever see you again
I am not sure whether I will ever be given the prospect to see you again
My tears are hungry
I feel the urgent desire to cry
For an open door
I need an opportunity to express my emotions
When your arms held me
I felt a certain type of relief and euphoria when I was in your embrace
I never felt that way before
What I experienced with you was unique and novel to me
I'll be waiting
I will stay in a particular state until something of interest happens
I'll be watching
I will observe keenly
Under a blue moon
In a rare instance
The taste of heaven
A feeling of pure happiness
Only happens
Occurs solely
Once in a blue moon
An unusual thing, which happens very rarely
Once in a blue moon
An unusual thing, which happens very rarely
Do you remember
Do you have a recollection of the past event spoken of
When the wind blew free
a time when things were calm without any restrictions or troubles
And we fit together
We were perfect for each other
So naturally
It happened so easily without much effort or anyone forcing it
If the wind closes a door
If something prompts a negative outcome that leads to the end of something
It will open another
There will be a new, unexpected opportunity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEROME KERN, ANNE CALDWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind