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.
I Don't Know How To Love Him
James Last Lyrics
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What to do, how to move him.
I've been changed, yes really changed.
In these past few days, when I've seen myself,
I seem like someone else.
I don't know how to take this.
I don't see why he moves me.
And I've had so many men before,
In very many ways,
He's just one more.
Should I bring him down?
Should I scream and shout?
Should I speak of love,
Let my feelings out?
I never thought I'd come to this.
What's it all about?
Don't you think it's rather funny,
I should be in this position.
I'm the one who's always been
So calm, so cool, no lover's fool,
Running every show.
He scares me so.
I never thought I'd come to this.
What's it all about?
Yet, if he said he loved me,
I'd be lost. I'd be frightened.
I couldn't cope, just couldn't cope.
I'd turn my head. I'd back away.
I wouldn't want to know.
He scares me so.
I want him so.
I love him so.
The lyrics to James Last's "I Don't Wanna Know" describe the confusion, fear, and internal struggle of someone who is experiencing new and unexpected emotions for a man. The singer expresses frustration and confusion about not knowing how to love or approach this man, revealing that this experience has changed her in ways that make her feel like someone else entirely. She wrestles with both the intensity of her feelings towards him and her own discomfort with the uncertainty of the situation.
The singer acknowledges her past experiences with many men and wonders if this man is just another one to add to the list. She questions whether she should bring him down, scream and shout, or confess her love to him. However, she concludes that she never thought she'd be in this position and wonders what it's all about. Despite her uncertainty, she admits to wanting him and loving him, even though the prospect of him reciprocating those feelings scares her.
The lyrics are relatable in how they capture the feelings of uncertainty and fear that often accompany new romantic experiences. The singer's hesitation to open up and be vulnerable is something many people can relate to, and the internal struggle expressed in the song is something that many people have experienced.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know how to love him.
I am unsure how to love him.
What to do, how to move him.
I don't know what actions will make him love me.
I've been changed, yes really changed.
I have transformed myself since meeting him.
In these past few days, when I've seen myself,
As I reflect on my recent behavior,
I seem like someone else.
I no longer recognize my own actions and emotions.
I don't know how to take this.
I don't know how to handle these emotions and uncertainty.
I don't see why he moves me.
I don't understand why he has such an effect on me.
He's a man. He's just a man.
Despite my feelings, he is just an ordinary person.
And I've had so many men before,
I have had multiple romantic partners in the past,
In very many ways,
In various different contexts and circumstances,
He's just one more.
He is just another person to add to the list.
Should I bring him down?
Should I sabotage this situation?
Should I scream and shout?
Should I express my frustration and anger?
Should I speak of love,
Should I confess my love and vulnerability,
Let my feelings out?
And show him how I truly feel?
I never thought I'd come to this.
I never expected to feel so out of control and uncertain.
What's it all about?
What does it all mean?
Don't you think it's rather funny,
Isn't it ironic,
I should be in this position.
That I, who am usually in complete control,
I'm the one who's always been
Am now the one who is confused and unsure of myself,
So calm, so cool, no lover's fool,
Who used to be composed and confident in relationships,
Running every show.
And used to be the one calling the shots,
He scares me so.
But now this person has me intimidated and frightened.
Yet, if he said he loved me,
Despite everything,
I'd be lost. I'd be frightened.
If he were to express love towards me, I would be overwhelmed with fear and confusion.
I couldn't cope, just couldn't cope.
I wouldn't be able to handle the emotional weight of it all.
I'd turn my head. I'd back away.
I would avoid facing the situation and potentially hurtful emotions.
I wouldn't want to know.
I would rather ignore it and not face these complicated feelings.
He scares me so.
Despite it all, he still has an effect on me.
I want him so.
Despite my fear and confusion, I still have strong feelings for him.
I love him so.
I am deeply in love with him.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind