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.
Live Again
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You will always be my dream
Salt-water rivers run
Through my veins
High above the sky grows heavy
And below the sea is grey
Lord always living now and again
Lord always living down, sail away
I send all my loss
I've said all the grief
We will always be lovers
And we'll always be, always live again
Dreht der Wind auch nach Norden
Kommt als Sturm übers Meer
Ein Herz lässt sich nicht borgen
Meins ist fest hier
Hat deine Seele sich versegelt
In konfuses Revier
Kannst dich hart an mich klammern
Komm zur Ruhe
Ein für alle mal zu mir
Ich, der Traum deiner Woge
Du, meine Frage, mein Vertrauen
Mein Riff, meine Boje
Dein Anker, dein Signal
Gib das weitere Leben in unendlicher Zahl
Sind einander vergeben
Immer wieder und immer wieder und nochmal
Immer wieder und immer wieder und nochmal
And it's always and always again
The lyrics of "Live Again" by James Last express a deep sense of enduring love and connection, as well as the inevitable challenges that come with it. The opening lines convey a sense of conflict and longing, with the singer acknowledging that the person they are addressing will always be both their trouble and their dream. The imagery of salt-water rivers running through the veins suggests a connection that runs deep and is intertwined with emotions and experiences.
As the lyrics progress, there is a reflection on the heaviness of the sky and the greyness of the sea, suggesting a sense of gloom and uncertainty. Despite these challenges, there is a sense of resilience and a reminder that the sun always wins, symbolizing hope and the ability to overcome obstacles. The repetition of the phrase "always living now and again" and "always living down, sail away" hints at the cyclical nature of life and relationships, with ups and downs that are part of the journey.
The middle section of the song introduces the idea of the wind changing direction and bringing storms over the sea, emphasizing the unpredictability of life. The metaphor of a heart that cannot be borrowed and is firmly rooted in place suggests loyalty and steadfastness in the face of adversity. The lyrics also touch on themes of confusion and seeking solace, with a plea for rest and peace in turbulent times.
The closing verses of the song delve into the profound connection between two individuals, with references to being each other's dream, question, trust, reef, buoy, anchor, and signal. There is a sense of mutual reliance and understanding, with a commitment to continue living and loving each other endlessly. The repetition of the phrase "always again" reinforces the idea of eternal renewal and the power of love to endure challenges. Overall, the lyrics of "Live Again" evoke a poignant and timeless depiction of love, resilience, and the enduring nature of relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You will always be my trouble
You will always challenge me and test me
You will always be my dream
You will always be the object of my desires and aspirations
Salt-water rivers run through my veins
The essence of the sea flows within me
High above the sky grows heavy
The weight of the world presses down from above
And below the sea is grey
Beneath the surface, things are murky and unclear
Lord always living now and again
Finding moments of joy and peace amidst challenges
Lord always living down, sail away
Overcoming obstacles and moving forward, sailing into the unknown
The sun always wins
Light and positivity ultimately prevail
I send all my loss
I release all my sorrow and pain
I've said all the grief
I've expressed all my sadness and distress
We will always be lovers
Our love will endure and remain strong
And we'll always be, always live again
We will continue to experience new beginnings and opportunities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Herbert Arthur Groenemeyer, Dominic Michael Bouffard, Alex Silva
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Adilson Castro
Fantástico
Stephanie Barr
Rest in Peace Maestro, You deserve it for the immense pleasure you have given to millions of people around the world. Richard Barr. Spain 7/7/20.
Shahid Alvi
I listened this music hundreds of times ... every time with tears in my eyes, no doubt James Last was the person who sooth our souls with his music since years ... we missed him badly ... RIP ... James Last ...
Eduardo Garcia
Simplemente virtuoso en su género, un midas de la música instrumental, gracias por los momentos gratos escuchar tus ejecuciones. Bendiciones para tu familia
Pedro Pzidler
Realmente uno de mis preferidos,que descanse en paz,nos deleitó a varias generaciones!
dean Schneck
This is such beautiful music -- Thank you, James.
tom lepski
Unforgetable James Last,his music will forever be enjoyed. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
MacArthur Park
@Hoàng Phương Tran Does heaven have a horn section?
Hoàng Phương Tran
AMEN.
lourson02
JE NE POURRAIS JAMAIS L OUBLIE, UN TRES TRES GRAND COMPOSITEUR