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.
Hey Jude
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
You were made to go out and get her
The minute you let her under your skin
And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain
Don't carry the world upon your shoulders
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder
Hey Jude, don't let me down
You have found her, now go and get her
Remember to let her into your heart
Then you can start to make it better
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin
You're waiting for someone to perform with
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do
The movement you need is on your shoulder
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Take a sad song and make it better
Remember to let her under your skin
Then you'll begin to make it
Better better better better better better, oh
Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude
The song "Hey Jude" by James Last is a cover of The Beatles' iconic hit, which was one of Paul McCartney's longest compositions. The song is about providing emotional support to someone going through a tough time. The first verse tells the listener not to fret and to take "a sad song and make it better," implying that the person in question may be experiencing difficult times. It is suggested that he should allow his lover into his heart and let her comfort him during these challenging times, which would cause the pain to decrease and make things better.
The second verse implores the listener not to be frightened and to take control of the situation. Rather than just sitting idly by and being afraid of attempting to pursue the woman he desires, he should seize the moment and go out to find her. Once he begins to trust his instincts, he will discover that he can make things better for himself. The chorus repeats the message from the first verse, encouraging the listener to let out his pain and allow it to heal by bringing his loved one close. The lyrics suggest that the listener should not be concerned with the inconsiderate world and the judgement of others, but rather with their own happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Hey Jude, try not to make the situation worse
Take a sad song and make it better
Try to change the negative situation into a better one
Remember to let her into your heart
Allow her to be an important part of your life
Then you can start to make it better
Only then you can make things better
Hey Jude, don't be afraid
Hey Jude, don't let fear stop you from achieving your goal
You were made to go out and get her
You were destined to win her heart
The minute you let her under your skin
As soon as you start to feel emotionally connected to her
Then you begin to make it better
It's the beginning of a positive change
And anytime you feel the pain, hey Jude, refrain
Hey Jude, when you're feeling the pain or struggle, hold back and take it easy
Don't carry the world upon your shoulders
Don't let the burden of the world weigh you down
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
It's foolish to act like everything is okay in a bad situation
By making his world a little colder
Trying to be indifferent in a negative situation can lead to isolation and loneliness
Hey Jude, don't let me down
Hey Jude, don't disappoint me by not following your heart
You have found her, now go and get her
You know who you want, now go out and get her
So let it out and let it in, hey Jude, begin
Just be yourself and express your true feelings
You're waiting for someone to perform with
You're waiting for someone to connect with, share your life with
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Jude, you'll do
Realize that you don't need anyone else to start making a positive change
The movement you need is on your shoulder
You have the power to make the change yourself, you just need to start
Hey Jude, don't make it bad
Hey Jude, try not to make the situation worse
Take a sad song and make it better
Try to change the negative situation into a better one
Remember to let her under your skin
Allow her to be an important part of your life
Then you'll begin to make it
Then, finally, you'll start making things better
Better better better better better better, oh
The change that you've started will keep getting better and better
Na na na nananana, nannana, hey Jude
These lines are repetitions of the chorus
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Unison Rights S.L.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind