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.
Ein Schiff wird kommen
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A Monday, a Monday is very, very good
Or you can kiss me on a Tuesday
A Tuesday, a Tuesday, in fact I wish you would
Or you can kiss me on a Wednesday
A Thursday, a Friday and Saturday is best
But never, never on a Sunday
A Sunday, a Sunday, 'cause that's my day of rest
Most any day you can be my guest
Any day you say, but my day of rest
Just name the day that you like the best
Only stay away on my day of rest
Oh, you can kiss me on a cool day, a hot day
A wet day, which everyone you choose
Or try to kiss me on a gray day, a May day
A pay day, and see if I refuse
And if you make it on a bleak day
A freak day, a week day, why you can be my guest
But never, never on a Sunday
The lyrics to James Last's "Ein Schiff wird kommen" explore the joy and excitement of someone falling in love and being eager to receive affection from their partner, but also setting a boundary of not wanting to be bothered on Sundays. The repetition of the days of the week adds to the playful nature of the song, and the suggestion that any other day is fair game for a kiss creates a sense of spontaneity and passion. However, the line "Only stay away on my day of rest" shows that the singer values their personal time and takes care to ensure they have a day off from the busyness of the week. The ending repetition of "never, never on a Sunday" reinforces this idea that the singer is firm in their boundary and wants to be left alone on that day.
Overall, the lyrics of "Ein Schiff wird kommen" paint a picture of someone who is excited to be in love and receive affection, but also values their personal time and space. The use of specific days of the week adds to the fun and whimsical nature of the song, but also shows that the singer is aware of their own needs and boundaries.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, you can kiss me on a Monday
You are welcome to show affection towards me on any day, including the first day of the week.
A Monday, a Monday is very, very good
I am suggesting that Monday is a great day for you to show me affection.
Or you can kiss me on a Tuesday
If Monday does not work for you, please feel free to express your affection towards me on Tuesday.
A Tuesday, a Tuesday, in fact I wish you would
I am hoping that you will consider expressing your love towards me on Tuesday.
Or you can kiss me on a Wednesday
Expressing your love towards me on Wednesday is also acceptable.
A Thursday, a Friday and Saturday is best
However, I believe that Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are the best days of the week for you to show your affection towards me.
But never, never on a Sunday
Please refrain from expressing any love towards me on Sunday because that day is reserved for my rest and relaxation.
Most any day you can be my guest
You are welcome to express your affection towards me on most days.
Any day you say, but my day of rest
However, please remember that Sunday is the only day that I require complete rest and relaxation.
Just name the day that you like the best
Feel free to choose any day of the week that suits you best to express your love towards me.
Only stay away on my day of rest
Again, please remember that I require complete rest on Sundays and that is the only day that you should refrain from expressing any affection towards me.
Oh, you can kiss me on a cool day, a hot day
It does not matter what the weather is like, you can express your affection towards me on any day.
A wet day, which everyone you choose
Even on a rainy day, you are welcome to show your love towards me on any day of the week.
Or try to kiss me on a gray day, a May day
Whether it is a dreary day or a beautiful day in May, you are welcome to express your affection towards me.
A pay day, and see if I refuse
Even on payday, you are welcome to express your love towards me and I will not refuse.
And if you make it on a bleak day
Even on a depressing or hopeless day, you can still show your affection towards me.
A freak day, a week day, why you can be my guest
Even if it is a strange or unusual day, or just a regular weekday, you are still welcome to express your love towards me.
But never, never on a Sunday
Once again, please refrain from expressing any love or affection towards me on Sundays as it is my day of rest and relaxation.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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