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 Via Veneto
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Rome, wonderful Rome
That romantic street where strangers can meet
In Rome, wonderful Rome
If you're devil-may-care, it's a rightful affair
To take a walk or a drive
It's a positive since, that a paesano's pinch
Will make you know you're alive
No, you'll never regret the Via Veneto
In Rome, marvellous Rome
It's the land of the free
Mama mia, you'll never go home
So, Signora, Signore, here's a toast to amoré
On the Via Veneto in Rome
(No, you'll never forget the Via Veneto
In Rome, marvellous Rome
It's the land of the free
Mama me, you may never go home)
So, Signora, Signore, here's a toast to amoré
On the Via Veneto (The Via Veneto)
On the Via Veneto in Rome
(Wonderful, marvellous, glorious, fabulous Rome)
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's song "The Via Veneto" celebrate the allure and romance of Rome's most famous main street. The song paints a picture of the street as a place where anything is possible, and where spontaneous connections can be made with strangers. The lyrics suggest that the Via Veneto is a place of freedom and excitement, where one can experience the fullness of life in a way that is unencumbered by rules and restrictions.
The song specifically addresses the idea that the Via Veneto is a place where one can feel truly alive. The phrase "a paesano's pinch" suggests a kind of rough-and-tumble excitement that is part of life on the street. The song celebrates the idea that the Via Veneto is a place where one can let down one's guard and revel in the joys of life. Overall, the lyrics of "The Via Veneto" are a celebration of the city of Rome as a place of unbridled passion and vitality.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, you'll never forget the Via Veneto
The Via Veneto street in Rome is unforgettable
In Rome, wonderful Rome
The city of Rome is amazing
That romantic street where strangers can meet
The Via Veneto is a romantic place where strangers can meet
In Rome, wonderful Rome
The city of Rome is amazing
If you're devil-may-care, it's a rightful affair
If you're carefree, it's a suitable situation
To take a walk or a drive
You can take a leisurely walk or drive
It's a positive since, that a paesano's pinch
It's a good experience, even if you get pinched by a local
Will make you know you're alive
It will remind you that you're alive
No, you'll never regret the Via Veneto
You will never regret visiting the Via Veneto
In Rome, marvellous Rome
The city of Rome is marvellous
It's the land of the free
It's a place where you can feel free
Mama mia, you'll never go home
It's such a great place, you may never want to leave
So, Signora, Signore, here's a toast to amoré
Cheers to love for all, ladies and gentlemen
On the Via Veneto in Rome
Let's celebrate love on the Via Veneto in Rome
Contributed by Sadie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ortonesque69
This has been my ringtone on my phone for years. Elicits raised eyebrows and exasperated looks when it goes off in meetings.
Shamel Rashad
Love the movie, Peter Sellers is the only actor who can convince you that he's not actually British. Woke up today with this humming in my ears and had to listen to it to get it out of my head. Thanks for sharing
Mustafa Sherif
my favorite part goes at 0:54, a brilliant put-in .. does any one know the real title of this piece ? .. i guess its not just "after the fox", since another theme goes by that name.
Ahmed Selim
good favourit part
Ahmad M. Ali
موسيقى جميلة وتشبه موسيقى افلام الكرتون
قناة السمع نعمة
If anyone is interested in the chords it sounds like this:
G - F# - Bm (or Bm9)
Second part is
G - D - G - D - G -D -G - F# - Bmajor and then it repeats
Expelled
Via veneto : ❌❌
اديني عقلك : ✅✅
Philip Maltman
@tofee2 It's part of the soundtrack to the 1966 Peter Sellers film, 'After the Fox'. I used to have it on 33. You may still be able to get the soundtrack but see the film if you get the chance. Very funny. Peter Sellers, Britt Ekland and Victor Mature sending himself up. Wonderful stuff.
رؤوف فوزي
اتهرست ف 100 فيلم عربي قبل كده
STRAWBERRY UNIVERSE
0:53 what is the instrument used?