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 Windows of the World
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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Where is the sunshine we once knew
Everybody knows when little children play
They need a sunny day to grow straight and tall
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
When will those black skies turn to blue
They start to wonder when their country will call
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
What is the whole world coming to
Everybody knows when men can not be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
Let the sun shine through
The windows of the world are covered with rain
There must be something we can do
Everybody knows whenever rain appears
It's really angel tears
How long must they cry
Let the sun shine through
Burt Bacharach's song Windows of the World addresses the current state of the world by using a subtle metaphor of rain-covered windows. The first verse discusses the impact of the world's current political and social climate on children. The rain-covered windows, which represent the world's problems, prevent children from receiving the necessary light needed for growth. In the chorus, the singer asks for the "sun to shine through" the problems that are covering the windows of the world. This is a message of hope suggesting that there is still a chance for change.
In the second verse, Bacharach addresses the adult men who must fight in wars and the agony felt by their loved ones left behind. The lyrics ask when the skies will turn blue again, signifying that something good can come out of a horrible situation. The singer asks for the "sun to shine through" the clouds of war and despair. In the final verse, the message is centered around conflict among men. The singer states that when men cannot be friends, some will have to die, and the world has become a dark and dangerous place. The use of "angel tears" indicates that the world's troubles are not just man-made but also inflicted by higher powers.
Line by Line Meaning
The windows of the world are covered with rain
The world is experiencing turmoil and sadness
Where is the sunshine we once knew?
We long for the happiness and peace we once had
Everybody knows when little children play
They need a sunny day to grow straight and tall
Let the sun shine through
Children need positivity and happiness to thrive and be successful
When will those black skies turn to blue?
We hope for a positive change in the future
Everybody knows when boys grow into men
They start to wonder when their country will call
Let the sun shine through
Men often question when they will be called to serve their country
What is the whole world coming to?
The world is in a state of confusion and instability
Everybody knows when men can not be friends
Their quarrel often ends where some have to die
Let the sun shine through
Conflict and war can have deadly consequences
There must be something we can do
We must take action to make positive change
Everybody knows whenever rain appears
It's really angel tears
How long must they cry?
Let the sun shine through
Rain symbolizes sadness and tears shed by angels, and we hope for a brighter future
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: BURT F BACHARACH, HAL DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind