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.
Dunrobins Gone
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep on settin' my table for two
Listen, I keep my eyes open for another glimpse of you
While a voice inside my head keeps on screamin'
It says, she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You lied and treated her bad until she ran
You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
Pullin' back the covers, turnin' down the lights
Can't see no use in cryin' out
Well, I'd try to make some coffee, but I'd probably break the cup
Can't see no point in stayin' up
It says she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You lied and treated her bad until she ran
You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You played her for a fool until she ran
Burnin' down the castle, warmin' up the bed
Can't see no use in cryin' out
'Cause the wind is in your marrow and my heart is on the line
Can't see no point in wastin' time
You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You lied and treated her bad until she ran
You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You played her for a fool until she ran
You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
You lied and treated her bad until she ran
You know she's gone and she won't be back.
The lyrics of James Last's song "Dunrobins Gone" tell a story of a man who has lost the woman he loves. He reminisces about the moments they shared - picking wild strawberries and catching the morning dew - but now he sets his table for two alone. He keeps his eyes open for another glimpse of her, but deep down, he knows that she's gone and she won't be back.
The voice inside his head tells him that he must be a happy man since he lied and treated her badly until she ran away. He accepts his fate and tries to move on, but he can't help feeling the pain and regret for the way he treated her. He tries to distract himself by pulling back the covers and turning down the lights, but he can't deny the emptiness inside him.
The song ends with a sense of resignation and acceptance that she's gone and he played her for a fool until she ran away. The repetition of the line "You know she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man" emphasizes his acceptance of the situation, even though it brings him pain.
Overall, the lyrics of "Dunrobins Gone" convey a sense of loss, regret, and acceptance. They remind us of the importance of treating the people we love with kindness and respect, as we never know when they might be gone forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Pickin' wild strawberries and catchin' the mornin' dew
I am engaging in activities that were once pleasant when shared with another person.
I keep on settin' my table for two
I still prepare to share meals with someone who is no longer present.
Listen, I keep my eyes open for another glimpse of you
I try to catch sight of the person I miss.
While a voice inside my head keeps on screamin'
Despite my efforts, I cannot silence the part of me that causes me pain.
It says, she's gone and she won't be back, you must be a happy man
My inner voice reminds me that the person I miss is not returning and it is better not to continue longing for them.
You lied and treated her bad until she ran
My inner voice accuses me of mistreating the person I miss, leading to their departure.
Pullin' back the covers, turnin' down the lights
I prepare for a night's sleep alone.
Can't see no use in cryin' out
Crying won't bring the person back or alleviate my pain.
Well, I'd try to make some coffee, but I'd probably break the cup
I am having a difficult time with basic tasks due to my overwhelming feelings of loss.
Can't see no point in stayin' up
I don't feel like staying awake because nothing feels fulfilling without the person I miss.
Burnin' down the castle, warmin' up the bed
I am trying to move on and find comfort in my own bed.
'Cause the wind is in your marrow and my heart is on the line
I am deeply affected by the absence of the person I miss.
Can't see no point in wastin' time
I don't want to waste time dwelling on the person who left me, even though it is hard to let go.
You know she's gone and she won't be back
The person I miss is not coming back.
Writer(s): Chad Allan, Barry Erickson
Contributed by Bella T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dennisogidih5816
It's beautiful and can't forget the beautiful memories!
@lukenwoye3859
Adorably melodious tune. Takes me back to those old days of innocence in formative age. Life then was as peaceful as smooth compositions of James Last. Ever so soothing.
Lukey Young Nwoye
@lawlaw2195
Good memories are made of this
@user-ok3es8ye6r
Beautiful!
@justinjunior4682
In those old good days gone bye, these are the type of songs that can really put you in the mood for meditation.
@terryheslopgoogle7564
Beautiful. Brings tears to the eyes.And memories. One of my favourites. T. Heslop.
@justinjunior4682
Indeed, brings tears to the soft hearted.
@karldawson3050
Very nice and beautiful
@lawlaw2195
Rip, my man
@terenceheslop38
I could never stop listening to this one.Beàutiful Superb,Brilliant. T.Heslop.UK