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".
here I am
Burt Bacharach Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ever since I took my first step and said my first hello
I've been dancing I've been singing
I've been hoping I've been dreaming
I've been praying for a chance to show
Show the world
I can be
Just like the stars on TV
Now isn't it crazy, crazy, isn't it wild
Here I am, here I am, here I am
Now isn't it crazy, crazy
Crazy, but here I am
Like a little voice inside my heart
Talkin' from the very start
Tellin' me which way to go
Always try, don't give up
If you want it, never stop
Take your time if you want to show
Show the world
You can be
Just like the stars on TV
Here I am, here I am, here I am
Now isn't it crazy, crazy, isn't it wild
Here I am, here I am, here I am
Now isn't it crazy, crazy
Crazy, but here I am
Through the fire
Through the rain
Isn't it a little insane
Here I am
The lyrics to Burt Bacharach's song "Here I Am" are empowering and inspiring, telling the story of someone who has been dreaming and hoping to show the world their talents since they were a little girl. The lyrics express the desire to be like the stars on TV and the determination to never give up if you want something enough. The little voice inside the heart of the singer is the driving force, always telling them which way to go.
The song is about realizing one's potential and going after their dreams no matter how crazy, through the fire and the rain. The singer acknowledges that it may be a little insane to pursue their dreams, but they are determined to do it anyway, and they are here now, ready to show the world what they can do.
Overall, the lyrics to "Here I Am" are about courage, determination, and perseverance. They encourage the listener to never give up on their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. The little voice inside, the one that tells us to keep going, is the one that will ultimately lead us to success.
Line by Line Meaning
Ever since I was a little girl
From a very young age, I've had a desire to make my mark on the world.
Ever since I took my first step and said my first hello
My ambition has been with me from the moment I started walking and speaking.
I've been dancing I've been singing
I've been expressing myself through movement and music.
I've been hoping I've been dreaming
I've been envisioning a future where my talents are recognized.
I've been praying for a chance to show
I've been silently asking for an opportunity to prove myself.
Show the world
I want to demonstrate my abilities to everyone.
I can be
I have the potential to succeed.
Just like the stars on TV
I aspire to the level of fame and recognition that celebrities receive.
Here I am, here I am, here I am
I am present, available, and eager for my chance to shine.
Now isn't it crazy, crazy, isn't it wild
It's almost unbelievable that I could fulfill my dreams.
Like a little voice inside my heart
My inner voice has guided me towards my goals.
Talkin' from the very start
It's been with me from the beginning.
Tellin' me which way to go
It's been my compass, pointing me towards the right path.
Always try, don't give up
I must keep pushing forward and never give up on my goals.
If you want it, never stop
Success requires continuous effort and dedication.
Take your time if you want to show
I don't need to rush, I can take my time to showcase my talents.
Through the fire
Even in the face of adversity and challenges.
Through the rain
Even when the odds are against me.
Isn't it a little insane
It may seem crazy to pursue my dreams, but it's worth it.
Here I am
I am here, ready to take on the world.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BURT F BACHARACH, HAL DAVID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jacquelyn Shreeves-Lee
I love this! Dionne"s voice is so sultry yet pure - and achingly lovely - I first heard this song when as I was watching 'What's New Pussycat?' A crazy, madcap film starring Remy Schneider. The movie has a wacky, 60s vibe - and in the very middle of it, beautiful Dionne sings this gorgeous number - sheer magic! xxxx
boblhsax
I had exactly the same experience, all those years ago. It's my favourite Bacharach/David song, maybe my favourite song. It is today anyhow.
Brett Alexander
Another Bacharach composition I have never heard... Thanks for posting 🎼
Carlo Labombarda
Mio caro Burt sei un genio della musica che parla dell’amore in tutte le sue forme e Dionne è una meravigliosa interprete della grande sensibilità dell’immenso Burt Bacharach. Da quando ero poco più che bambino ho iniziato ad amare questa musica stupenda, fatta per sognare e non ho mai smesso.
Un grazie per i momenti meravigliosi che la sua musica ha sempre saputo trasmettermi. Persone come Burt devono rimanere qui per sempre
Renee Lynch
no matter how bad a day youve had this takes you to a happy cozy place!
堀田益枝
This song was the other side of "Alfie" if I'm not mistaken.
Minor, but a beautiful tune in which Dionne's delicate voice makes me cry.
Renee Lynch
Heard this song in movie whats new pussycat?
boomerang905
Reminds me of a cold, snowy and cozy Monday Morning and you're off from work with Hubby. 💕
Джек Демпси
Nostalgia for a time you’ve never known
Mariateresa Anfossi
DIONNE WARWICH UNA VOCE STUPENDA