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.
Girl From Ipanema
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
When she walks, she's like a samba
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
How can he tell her he loves her
Yes I would give my heart gladly
But each day, that she walks to the sea
She looks straight ahead, not at he
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
And when she passes, he smile - but she doesn't see
(Doesn't see)
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
The Girl From Ipanema is a romantic song about a beautiful girl who captures people's attention as she walks by. The singer describes the girl as tall, tan, young, and lovely, and when she passes by, everyone notices her. Her movements are compared to the gentle sway of a samba, and when she walks, everyone around her is charmed by her presence. However, there is one man who stands out from the rest, watching her so sadly. He is in love with her, but he doesn't know how to express his feelings to her. He would give his heart gladly, but every day she walks by and looks straight ahead, never noticing him.
The song is not just about unrequited love but also about the beauty of youth and the joy of life. The girl represents the epitome of youth and attractiveness, and even though she is oblivious to the man's admiration, she brings happiness and brightness to the street as she passes by.
Overall, The Girl From Ipanema is a timeless classic that captures the essence of beauty, love, and the simple pleasures of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Tall and tan and young and lovely
The girl from Ipanema possesses a stunning appearance with her height, tanned skin, youth, and beauty.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
The girl walks along the streets of Ipanema, being a noticeable presence.
And when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
Whenever she passes someone, she captivates them, leaving them stunned and struck by her beauty.
When she walks, she's like a samba
Her walking resembles that of the famous samba dance, exuding a graceful and charming aura.
That swings so cool and sways so gentle
Her movements are smooth and elegant, with a gentle and effortless sway.
That when she passes, each one she passes goes - ah
As she walks, everyone around her is still captivated by her presence and beauty.
(Ooh) But he watches her so sadly
There is a man who watches her with melancholy, longing, and sadness.
How can he tell her he loves her
He wishes to confess his love to her but is lost in how to approach her.
Yes, I would give my heart gladly
He is willing to give his heart to her, completely and selflessly.
But each day, that she walks to the sea
Every day, she makes her way to the sea, and during this journey, he watches her pass with melancholy.
She looks straight ahead, not at he
However, she continues her walk without acknowledging him, looking forward without a second thought.
Tall, (and) tan, (and) young, (and) lovely
The man acknowledges once again her beauty, youthfulness, and height as she walks by.
The girl from Ipanema goes walking
She continues her walk, captivating those around her unaware of the effect she has on them.
And when she passes, he smiles - but she doesn't see
Although he can't help but smile when he sees her, she doesn't notice these actions, leaving him lost in thought and admiration.
(Doesn't see)
(She just doesn't see, she never sees him)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Norman Gimbel, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Vinicius De Moraes
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Muhidin Tahir
Beautifully orchestrated by James Last
BoxSetMusicGuy
Outstanding! Thank you :)
Arjun Atienza
Wow....SOOOOBBRANNNGGGGG GANDA NAMAN !!
Half Not Quantum
Here's the legendary musician Bob Strauch's version with his own lyrics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDxLedytMm0