James Last (Hans Last, * April 17, 1929 in Bremen, † June, 9, 2015 in Flori… Read Full Bio ↴James Last (Hans Last, * April 17, 1929 in Bremen, † June, 9, 2015 in Florida) was a German composer and big band leader with a large fan base in Europe and world-wide. Last's trademark was arranging pop hits in a big-band style; his series of "party albums" is equally well-known. Over the course of his career, he has sold well over 100 million albums.

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.

Hero
James Last Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Or would you run and never look back?
Would you cry if you saw me crying?
And would you save my soul tonight?
Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Or would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this.
Now would you die for the one you love?
Oh hold me in your arms tonight.

I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away

Would you swear that you'll always be mine
Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?
Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I don't care. You're here tonight

I can be your hero baby
I can kiss away the pain

I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to James Last's song Hero depict a romantic scenario where the singer asks their lover if they would be willing to stay with them through thick and thin, through good and bad times. They ask if they would dance with them, cry with them, save them, and even die for them. The singer emphasizes their willingness to be the hero to their lover, kissing away their pain and standing by them forever. The chorus repeats the offer of being their hero, taking away their pain, and being there for them always.

The song expresses a deep desire for emotional connection and commitment in a romantic relationship. The singer is seeking a partner who is willing to be vulnerable, share their emotions, and stick by their side. The lyrics emphasize the importance of mutual trust and support, as well as the willingness to make sacrifices for the person that you love.

Interestingly, the song was originally written and recorded by Spanish singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias in 2001. It became a major hit, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries. James Last's version of the song features an instrumental arrangement with a strong emphasis on orchestral elements.

Line by Line Meaning

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
If I asked you to join me in a moment of fun and happiness, would you be willing to participate in it?

Or would you run and never look back?
If I presented the opportunity for joy and pleasure to you, would you avoid it and never consider it again?

Would you cry if you saw me crying?
If you witnessed me in emotional pain, would you empathize with me and display compassion through your own display of sadness?

And would you save my soul tonight?
If my spirit were in danger or at risk, would you offer me protection and assist me in securing my safety?

Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
If I were to experience the intimacy of your kisses, would you feel the same intensity of passion and emotion?

Or would you laugh? Oh, please tell me this.
Would you respond to my affection and love with disdain and mockery, or would you reciprocate my feelings with sincerity and honesty?

Now would you die for the one you love?
Are you capable of making the ultimate sacrifice for the person you hold most dear and valuable in your life?

Oh hold me in your arms tonight.
Let us spend this moment in each other's embrace and cherish our bond of love.

I can be your hero baby
I am willing to be a protector and courageous figure in your life.

I can kiss away the pain
My love and affection for you is so powerful that it has the ability to heal the emotional wounds you carry.

I will stand by you forever
My loyalty and commitment to you will never falter, and I will always be there to support and care for you.

You can take my breath away
Your presence and love leave me feeling overwhelmed with emotion, and I am willing to give everything up for you.

Would you swear that you'll always be mine
Would you make a vow to always be my partner and supporter, and never leave my side?

Or would you lie? Would you run and hide?
If you were to confront difficulty or discomfort within our relationship, would you be honest with me, or would you opt to escape and leave me alone?

Am I in too deep? Have I lost my mind?
I am deeply invested in you and our relationship, and I question whether this level of connection may be detrimental to my mental stability.

I don't care. You're here tonight
Regardless of the risks and potential issues related to our relationship, I am happy that you are able to spend this moment with me.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing, WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Enrique M. Iglesias, Mark Philip Taylor, Paul Michael Barry

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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