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".
Promises Promises
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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I'm all through with promises, promises now
I don't know how I got the nerve to walk out
If I shout, remember I feel free
Now I can look at myself and be proud
I'm laughing out loud
Oh, promises, promises
I don't pretend that what was wrong can be right
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
Things that I promised myself fell apart
But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life
Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
Can lead to joy and hope and love
Yes, love
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
Things that I promised myself fell apart
But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises can just destroy a life
Oh, promises, those kind of promises take all the joy from life
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
Can lead to joy and hope and love
Yes, love
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's song "Promises Promises" deal with the aftermath of broken promises and the false hope they offer. The singer has grown tired of being given empty promises and has finally decided to walk away from them. In doing so, they have found a newfound sense of freedom and pride, and can now genuinely laugh out loud. There is an acknowledgement that what was wrong in the past cannot be made right through empty promises, and that the truth must be faced. The singer reflects on the promises they made to themselves and how they have fallen apart, but through this, they have found their heart.
The song highlights the power that promises can hold over a person's life. The false hope, disappointment, and eventual hurt that come from broken promises are destructive and can rob someone of joy and love. However, the lyrics also suggest that not all promises are bad. The singer's own promises have led to hope, joy, and love, suggesting that honest and genuine promises can be a positive force in someone's life.
Overall, "Promises Promises" is a commentary on the danger of false promises and the freedom that can come from rejecting them. It also acknowledges the complexity of promises and their ability to both harm and heal.
Line by Line Meaning
Promises, promises
I have heard countless promises in the past.
I'm all through with promises, promises now
I choose to no longer believe in or rely on promises.
I don't know how I got the nerve to walk out
I am surprised I had the courage to leave.
If I shout, remember I feel free
If I become vocal, remember that it is because I am feeling liberated.
Now I can look at myself and be proud
I am now able to view myself with a sense of achievement.
I'm laughing out loud
I am expressing my joy and relief in a boisterous manner.
Oh, promises, promises
I am expressing my disdain for the many unfulfilled promises I have received.
This is where those promises, promises end
I am putting an end to this cycle of empty promises.
I don't pretend that what was wrong can be right
I acknowledge that past mistakes cannot be undone.
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
I am now able to rest without the burden of deceit.
Things that I promised myself fell apart
I was unable to fulfill the goals I set for myself.
But I found my heart
Through this challenging experience, I rediscovered my emotional strength.
Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life
I am warning about the potential danger of unfulfilled promises.
Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life
I am lamenting how empty promises can drain the enjoyment from life.
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
I am juxtaposing my previous experience with a more positive outlook on promises.
Can lead to joy and hope and love
I am illustrating how positive, more meaningful promises can bring about feelings of happiness and optimism.
Yes, love!!
I am expressing my belief in the power of love.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm
Written by: HAL DAVID, BURT F. BACHARACH, BURT BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind