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".
Youre Following Me
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wherever I go . . .
You'll always be there,
So, what do I care?
You're followin' me!
When I've got the time,
I'll slip you a kiss,
You'll always be found,
You're followin' me!
That's what I thought ( Do wah, do wah! )
That's what I said right along ( Do wah, do wah! )
But now it appears with time and tears
Have proved that I was wrong!
You're followin' me ( Gi, gi! )
But, not like before ( Gi, gi! )
Though we're far apart ( Bah! ) 1
You're stealin' my heart ( Bah! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
Come back baby! ( Sha na na na! )
I'll treat you right this time! ( Sha na na na! )
Come back baby! ( Sha na na na! )
I promise to change all my ways!
You're followin' me ( Gi, gi! )
But, not like before ( Gi, gi! )
Though we're far apart ( Bah! )
You're stealin' my heart ( Bah! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
Ah! Come back baby! ( Sha na na na! )
I'll treat you right this time! ( Sha na na na! )
Come back baby! ( Sha na na na! )
I promise to change all my ways!
You're followin' me ( Gi, gi! )
But, not like before ( Gi, gi! )
Tho' we're far apart ( Bah! )
You're stealin' my heart ( Bah! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
You're followin' me... yeah!
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's song "You're Following Me" depict a situation where the singer feels pursued and unable to escape from someone's constant presence. In the first verse, the singer acknowledges that no matter where they go, this person is always there, but they don't seem to care about it. It implies a certain level of acceptance or resignation towards this individual following them.
The second verse reveals a change in the singer's attitude. They mention that when they have the time, they will "slip you a kiss," indicating a willingness to engage with this person on a romantic level. The lyrics suggest that the singer will keep this person around and that they will always be found, reinforcing the idea of being in constant contact.
The following passage shifts the narrative tone. The singer admits that they had initially believed this situation to be fine and acceptable, as assumed by the repeated "Do wah, do wah" lines. However, time and tears have proven them wrong, suggesting that there has been emotional turmoil as a result of this constant following.
The final part of the song sees the singer calling out to the person who is following them. They plead for them to come back, promising to treat them right and change their ways. This implies that the singer recognizes the impact of their actions and desires a second chance to make things right. The repeated chorus reinforces the theme of being pursued, although the tone now reflects a desire for reconciliation rather than a sense of resignation.
Overall, "You're Following Me" explores themes of being pursued, the acceptance or hesitance towards such pursuit, and the subsequent realization of its consequences. The lyrics suggest a growing emotional connection between the singer and the person following them, leading to a desire to rectify past mistakes and create a healthier relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You're followin' me,
You are constantly watching and observing my actions and whereabouts
Wherever I go . . .
No matter where I go, you are always there
You'll always be there,
I can always count on your presence and support
So, what do I care?
I have no reason to worry or be concerned about anything because of your unwavering presence
When I've got the time,
In moments when I have leisure and availability
I'll slip you a kiss,
I will engage in a romantic gesture of affection towards you
I'll keep you around,
I will ensure that you remain close to me and in my life
You'll always be found,
I will never lose sight of you or let you go
That's what I thought ( Do wah, do wah! )
That was my initial belief or assumption, expressed in a playful manner
That's what I said right along ( Do wah, do wah! )
I consistently expressed that same belief or assumption in the past, with a playful tone
But now it appears with time and tears
However, it has become evident through the passage of time and emotional struggles
Have proved that I was wrong!
That my previous belief or assumption was incorrect
But, not like before ( Gi, gi! )
Your actions and behavior have changed, deviating from how they used to be
Though we're far apart ( Bah! )
Despite the physical distance between us
You're stealin' my heart ( Bah! )
You are capturing and captivating my emotions and affections
Come back baby! ( Sha na na na! )
I am pleading for you to return to me, expressing it with a lively vocalization
I'll treat you right this time! ( Sha na na na! )
I promise to behave correctly and treat you with kindness and respect if you give me another chance
I promise to change all my ways!
I assure you that I will transform and improve my behavior completely
You're followin' me...
You are still closely observing and tracking my actions and movements
You're followin' me ( You're followin' me! )
You continue to watch me and be present in my life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Adolph Green, Betty Comden, Leonard Bernstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@francisalanwormald6328
60 years ago!!! ! was 24....OH! WHAT A TREAT TODAY!!!
@xanthia9536
If ever I am a little bit down,I watch that video and I start smiling☺🥰😋
@weibowil
My favourite video 🤩
@brianfuller7691
Two great talents just nailing it and making it look easy. I'm impressed.
@vincentlynch3652
What a fun clip!
@johanna2995
This is a fun song.
@dixieleefogg4450
this is different but, I love it too. To see Perry sort of dancing in great. Well done guys!!!!
@HartAngel5
That was so cute and hilarious! They are cute enough to pass for teenager-y moves. ;)
@jaimemarin22
Maravilloso Video. Se juntaron Dos Talentos Grandiosos. Adorables siempre. ...
@orlandooliveira1784
Simples, natural e maravilhoso!