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".
Winter warm
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But your kisses make December seem just like May
Here in your arms, I'm winter warm
All the birds are flying south in pairs
It may go to ten below outside, but who cares?
Here in your arms, I′m winter warm
A time to dream and reminisce
And all the embers in the fireplace
Just glow each time we kiss
Is it snow or white confetti in disguise?
Strange, but when you smile, the wintry wind softly sighs
Here in your arms, I'm winter warm
Winter warm with you (winter warm)
The lyrics of Burt Bacharach's song "Winter Warm" depict a scene on a chilly snowy day, but the warmth of love and affection provides comfort and transforms the atmosphere. The opening lines, "It's a snowy kind of blowy day, But your kisses make December seem just like May," suggest that despite the cold weather, the presence of the person being sung to brings about feelings of warmth and joy. The lyrics play with the contrast between the external weather conditions and the internal emotions created by love.
The subsequent lines, "Here in your arms, I'm winter warm," communicate that being in the embrace of a loved one provides a sense of security and contentment. The idea of warmth is further emphasized by the line, "All the birds are flying south in pairs, It may go to ten below outside, but who cares?" This suggests that despite the freezing temperatures, the singer feels insulated and protected by the love of their partner. The phrase "winter warm" is repeated throughout the song, reinforcing the idea that love has the power to keep one warm even in the coldest of seasons.
The lyrics also touch on the romantic atmosphere of the night, with lines like "Tonight was made for lovers to embrace, A time to dream and reminisce." The ambiance is enhanced by the presence of a fireplace and the imagery of glowing embers each time they share a kiss. Furthermore, the mention of "snow or white confetti in disguise" and the wintry wind sighing softly when the person being sung to smiles demonstrate a sense of enchantment and magic that love brings, even amidst the cold and snow.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a snowy kind of blowy day
Despite the cold and snowy weather, the day is filled with a forceful and gusty vibe.
But your kisses make December seem just like May
Your kisses have the power to make the wintery month of December feel as light and vibrant as the blossoming month of May.
Here in your arms, I'm winter warm
Being in your embrace provides a comforting and cozy warmth that makes me feel like winter itself is warm.
All the birds are flying south in pairs
As winter approaches, the birds migrate to warmer regions, traveling together in pairs.
It may go to ten below outside, but who cares?
Even though the temperature outside may drop to ten degrees below freezing, it becomes insignificant in comparison to the love and affection we share.
Here in your arms, I'm winter warm
Being held in your arms continues to provide a soothing and comforting warmth that makes me feel like winter itself is warm.
Tonight was made for lovers to embrace
This evening was specifically meant for lovers to hold each other close.
A time to dream and reminisce
A moment to indulge in dreams and fondly recall past memories.
And all the embers in the fireplace
The glowing remains of the burning wood in the fireplace
Just glow each time we kiss
Radiate a warm and vibrant light every time we share a kiss.
Is it snow or white confetti in disguise?
The falling snowflakes appear like festive white confetti.
Strange, but when you smile, the wintry wind softly sighs
It may seem unusual, but when you smile, even the cold winter wind becomes gentle and sighs in response.
Here in your arms, I'm winter warm
Once again, being held in your arms fills me with a comforting and cozy warmth that makes me feel like winter itself is warm.
Winter warm with you (winter warm)
Experiencing the warmth of winter is only possible when I am with you.
Writer(s): Hal David, Burt F. Bacharach
Contributed by Sarah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Hooftimmer
Soothing. Thank you.
@jjakiefte2165
Who for the love of god came up with the silly name of Gale Storm? Is there also a River Stream or a Brook Fen?
@bobbybishop368
Or a just as silly name like jja kiefte.
@jjakiefte2165
@Bobby Bishop Que?