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 Love of a Boy
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can change a girl,
Into a woman.
(Woman... a woman)
I know that it's true.
My love for you,
Made me a woman.
Young and afraid,
You came to me,
And you gave me love.
What a difference you made.
The love of a boy,
Can change a girl,
Into a woman.
(Woman... a woman)
With just one caress,
Your tenderness,
Made me a woman
Made me a woman in love
Faithful and true.
Love burning deep in my heart and soul
And it's only for you
My true ooo love.
Woah, oh oh, oh oh
Woah, oh oh, oh oh
The song "The Love of a Boy" by Burt Bacharach speaks about the transformative power of love. The lyrics convey the idea that the love of a boy can change a girl into a woman; the girl grows up and matures once she experiences love from a boy. The lines "Once I was only a girl, young and afraid, you came to me, and you gave me love. What a difference you made" demonstrate how the girl's fear and uncertainty about life were replaced with confidence, maturity and love all because of the love of a boy.
Throughout the song, the idea that love changes and transforms is further emphasized. The lyrics "With just one caress, your tenderness, made me a woman. Made me a woman in love, faithful and true" illustrates how the woman becomes more passionate and devoted after being loved by the boy. With these lines, it is clear that the love between the two is pure, deep and transformative.
The lyrics of “The Love of a Boy” by Burt Bacharach may allude to the idea of growing up from childhood to adulthood through falling in love. The song’s message emphasizes that love has the power to change and transform individuals, turning a young and scared girl into a confident and loving woman, growing up through the power of love.
Line by Line Meaning
The love of a boy,
The affection from a young man
Can change a girl,
Can cause a girl to transform
Into a woman.
Into an adult female.
(Woman... a woman)
I know that it's true.
I am aware of its authenticity.
My love for you,
My affection for you
Made me a woman.
Was responsible for my transformation into an adult female.
Once I was only a girl,
Previously, I was just an immature female.
Young and afraid,
Inexperienced and scared.
You came to me,
You approached me.
And you gave me love.
You bestowed your affection upon me.
What a difference you made.
You brought about a significant change.
With just one caress,
With a single touch.
Your tenderness,
Your gentleness.
Made me a woman
Was the cause of my transformation
Made me a woman in love
Made me experience love as an adult female
Faithful and true.
Committed and genuine.
Love burning deep in my heart and soul
My affection is intense and consuming.
And it's only for you
Exclusively for you.
My true ooo love.
My genuine and sincere love.
Woah, oh oh, oh oh
Woah, oh oh, oh oh
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: BURT BACHARACH, HAL DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@PP-hs3ep
The songs from this era will never be forgotten and neither will Burt Bacharach
@beverleyharris5731
My dad used to sing this to my mum while dancing her around the lounge 🥰 Miss them so much 🥲
@mariaczernohoussemerene6308
What a Very Nice memory
@dena6254
Thank you for sharing that special memory. 💃 🕺 🥰
@Thats_a_cold_shot
Beautiful visual. How marriages should be and a great example for children.
@ABlackCountryWoman
💕
@patdarico9660
What a beautiful memory❤️
@Sean-2609
I sung this to my girlfriend in 1973. She said YES in 1976 and we are still in love here in 2023
@rob262
good onya 🤗
@clarencefernando3968
👍