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".
The Answer to Everything
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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When there is only one answer to it all
Do you love me, really love me as I love you
It's the answer to everything if you do
Don't give me a million excuses
When I am waiting with my arms open wide
Do you love me, really love me as I love you
If there is someone else, some other place who holds your heart
Tell me now, truthfully, before we start
Don't act like you misunderstand me
When there is simply no mystery to it all
Do you love me, really love me as I love you
It's the answer to everything if you do
The song "The Answer to Everything" by Burt Bacharach is a love song that shares the perspective of someone who is waiting for their lover to reciprocate their feelings. The lyrics suggest that the singer is tired of being given excuses and questions and just wants to hear a simple answer: "Do you love me, really love me as I love you?" The answer to this question will solve everything: their doubts, uncertainties, and fears.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of honesty and transparency in a relationship. The singer asks their lover to truthfully reveal if there is someone else or some other place that holds their heart. The idea is that if their lover truly loves them, they will be honest and upfront about their feelings.
Overall, the song captures the vulnerability and complexity of love. It shows that love can be simple, but can also be difficult and confusing. The singer’s hope is that their love will be reciprocated and that this will solve everything.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't ask me a mountain of questions
Don't overwhelm me with too many questions
When there is only one answer to it all
When the solution is simple
Do you love me, really love me as I love you
Express your true emotions for me
It's the answer to everything if you do
Love is the key to happiness
Don't give me a million excuses
Don't try to justify yourself with endless excuses
When I am waiting with my arms open wide
When I am ready to embrace you
If there is someone else, some other place who holds your heart
If you are in love with someone else, or if your heart belongs to another place
Tell me now, truthfully, before we start
Be honest with me before we begin our relationship
Don't act like you misunderstand me
Don't pretend that you don't understand what I am saying
When there is simply no mystery to it all
When the situation is crystal clear
Do you love me, really love me as I love you
Express your true emotions for me
It's the answer to everything if you do
Love is the key to happiness
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOB HILLIARD, BURT BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind