Last learned how to play piano as child, switching to bass as a teenager. He joined Hans-Gunther Oesterreich's Radio Bremen Dance Orchestra in 1946, when he was 17 years old. In 1948, he became the leader of the Becker-Last Ensemble, which performed for seven years. During that time, he was voted as the best bassist in the country by a German jazz poll for three consecutive years, from 1950-1952. After the disbandment of the Becker-Last Ensemble, he became the in-house arranger for Polydor Records, as well as for a number of European radio stations. For the next decade, he helped arrange hits for artists like Helmut Zacharias and Caterina Valente.
Last released his first album "Non-Stop Dancing" in 1965. The record of brief renditions of popular songs, all tied together by an insistent dance beat and joyous crowd noises. It was a hit and helped make him a major European star. Over the next four decades, Last has released over 190 records, including several more volumes of Non-Stop Dancing. On these records, he varies his formula by adding different songs from different countries and genres, as well as guest performers like Richard Clayderman and Astrud Gilberto.
Though his concerts and albums are consistently successful — especially in England, where he had 52 hit albums between 1967-1986, which made him second to Elvis Presley in terms of number of charting records — he has only had two hit singles with "The Seduction," the theme from American Gigolo (1980) and Biscaya from the album "Biscaya".
He has won numerous polls and prizes, for example Billboard magazine's "Star of the year" trophy in 1976, and has been honored for his lifework with the German ECHO prize in 1994.
The song "The Lonely Shepherd", written by Last and performed by Gheorghe Zamfir and the James Last Orchestra, was featured in the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino's film "Kill Bill Vol. 1" (2003).
Personally, he divides his time between Florida and Germany. He gives much credit to his wife and son, who helps with the music.
Close To You
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every time you are near
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Why do stars fall down from the sky?
Every time you walk by
Just like me, they long to be
On the day that you were born
And the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust
In your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
On the day that you were born
And the angels got together
And decided to create a dream come true
So they sprinkled moon dust
In your hair of gold
And starlight in your eyes of blue
That is why all the girls in town
Follow you all around
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
Just like me, they long to be
Close to you
The song "Close to You" by James Last talks about the effect a person can have on those around them. The song opens with the question, "Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?" The reference to birds could suggest the feeling of love and peace one gets when they are in the presence of someone they love. The following line, "Just like me, they long to be close to you," emphasises the idea that everyone desires to be close to the person who brings them joy and contentment.
The second verse continues this sentiment with the question, "Why do stars fall down from the sky every time you walk by?" It could signify the awe and wonder one feels when they are in the presence of their beloved. Then the line "Just like me, they long to be close to you" brings back the idea that everyone wants to be close to the object of their admiration.
The last verse talks about the day the person was born, and how the angels created something extraordinary with the line "So they sprinkled moon dust in your hair of gold, and starlight in your eyes of blue." It could represent the idea that the person is unique and special, and everyone wants to be around them. The final line "Just like me, they long to be close to you" reiterates the message that everyone desires to be near the one they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do birds suddenly appear?
The presence of the person being referred to is so captivating that just like the birds that always appear when they come around, it's just magical.
Every time you are near
The presence of the individual being referred to is very strong and has the ability to draw attention.
Just like me, they long to be
The effect that the individual has on others is so powerful that they all want to feel the same way as the singer.
Close to you
The person being referred to is the center of the singer's affection and attention.
Why do stars fall down from the sky?
The presence of the person being referred to is so powerful that it has the ability to make stars fall down from the sky out of admiration and awe.
Every time you walk by
The presence of the individual being referred to is so powerful that just seeing them walk by is enough to inspire amazement and wonder.
On the day that you were born
The day of the individual's birth was special and momentous because it marked the beginning of their journey that touched many lives.
And the angels got together
The idea of the individual being referred to was so special that even the angels collaborated to make their dream come true.
And decided to create a dream come true
The angels conspired to create a magical being who would touch the lives of everyone they encountered.
So they sprinkled moon dust
The angels gifted the individual with a unique, otherworldly quality that was characteristic of moon dust.
In your hair of gold
The individual's hair is compared to gold, which signifies its value and worth.
And starlight in your eyes of blue
The color of the person's eyes is compared to starlight in order to evoke a sense of awe, admiration, and wonder.
That is why all the girls in town
The person's charm and charisma are so infectious that it fascinates and captures the hearts of many.
Follow you all around
People are drawn to the person being referred to and become loyal devotees who seek to be close to them.
Just like me, they long to be
The people who follow the person being referred to share the same desire to feel close to them as the singer does.
Close to you
The person being referred to is the center of the singer's affection and attention.
Just like me, they long to be
The effect that the person being referred to has on others is so powerful that it evokes strong feelings of longing and desire for closeness.
Close to you
The person being referred to is the center of the singer's affection and attention.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Terence Heslop
Each song on this LP quite so beautifully sung.,diction,voice , blend,,phrasing so spot on.James should have made a score to match this LP.A pity he didn't!.. T.Heslop.UK.
Kaushik Ganguli
This also appeared on the 'Make the Party Last' album for 1970-71 by the James Last Orchestra. One of my first serious listening. Amazing till today.
Bernie Nzk
J’adoooore cette mélodie ancienne mais toujours aussi belle et très agréable à écouter 👍👍👍👍👍
chrisow 2019
It's the Best Version for ever !!!
Peter Robert Bowers
Another fantastic…. favourite album of mine, by the late James Last. Bought this particular album back in the 1970s. Lovely music. Beautifully sung. This particular album is also available on a 💿 CD; straight from Polydor. Released in 2019.
I’m not sure about “Happy summer night” whether or not that’s available on a CD.
Saturday afternoon at 16:31H. 15th May 2021. U.K. 🇬🇧 Southampton.