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.
In San Francisco
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
your golden sun will shine for me!
I left my heart in San Francisco.
High on a hill it calls to me
to be where little cable cars
climb halfway to the stars!
The morning fog may chill the air,
I don't care!
My love waits there in San Francisco,
above the blue and windy sea.
When I come home to you, San Francisco,
your golden sun will shine for me!
The lyrics to James Last's "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" are a sentimental tribute to the city of San Francisco. The first verse describes the physical beauty of the city, with its hills and cable cars climbing halfway to the stars. The second verse reveals the singer's personal connection to the city, as his love waits for him there "above the blue and windy sea." The song conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the singer has left his heart in San Francisco and looks forward to the day when he can return and bask in the city's sunshine once again.
The opening line of the song has become a phrase associated with San Francisco and is often used in popular culture to reference the city's iconic status. The lyrics celebrate the hills, cable cars, and fog that are all emblematic of San Francisco's unique character. The lyrics also convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for the city, as the singer has left his heart there and cannot wait to return.
Line by Line Meaning
I left my heart in San Francisco.
I feel deeply connected to San Francisco and have left a part of myself there.
High on a hill it calls to me
The city's physical and emotional presence is so strong that I can feel its pull even when I'm not there.
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars!
San Francisco is a place of beauty and wonder, where even the ordinary transportation is magical.
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care!
Even though there may be obstacles or challenges, my love for San Francisco is constant and unwavering.
My love waits there in San Francisco, above the blue and windy sea.
The city represents a deep and meaningful connection, perhaps with a person or a time in my life.
When I come home to you, San Francisco, your golden sun will shine for me!
I know that when I return to San Francisco, I will be welcomed with open arms and the city will bring me joy and light.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOUGLAS CROSS, GEORGE CORY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind