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.
Love Is A Many Speldored Thing
James Last Lyrics
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It's the April rose that only grows in the early Spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Once on a high and windy hill, In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many splendored thing
Love is a many splendored thing
It's the April rose that only grows in the early Spring
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Once on a high and windy hill, In the morning mist
Two lovers kissed and the world stood still
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Yes, true love's a many splendored thing
The lyrics of James Last's song "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" convey the profound and multifaceted nature of love. The opening line, "Love is a many splendored thing," suggests that love is a beautiful and extraordinary experience. It compares love to an April rose, a symbol of delicate beauty that thrives in the early spring, emphasizing how love blossoms in the most unexpected and delightful ways.
The lyrics also highlight love as an essential part of human existence, describing it as "nature's way of giving a reason to be living." Love gives purpose and meaning to our lives, enriching our experiences and enabling us to truly live and appreciate the world around us. It implies that love is a driving force that connects us to our own humanity and the natural world.
The mention of the "golden crown that makes a man a king" suggests that love has the power to elevate an individual's status and transform their life. Love can make a person feel valued, cherished, and empowered, as if they possess a regal dignity. It suggests that true love has the ability to bring out the best in us and make us feel like royalty.
The final verse recounts a profound moment of love between two individuals, taking place on a high and windy hill in the morning mist. This evokes an image of a serene and magical setting, where time stands still. The act of the two lovers kissing is described as having an immense impact on the world, implying that true love has the power to transcend reality and create a sense of profound stillness and awe.
The lyrics further describe how the touch of the beloved's fingers on the singer's heart brings it to life, enabling it to sing. This vividly portrays how love has the power to awaken dormant emotions and bring forth joyous expression. It suggests that love unlocks the deepest parts of ourselves, enabling us to feel and express love in its truest form.
Overall, the lyrics of "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing" paint a picture of love as a magnificent and transformative force. It speaks to the beauty and significance of love, its ability to bring purpose to our lives, elevate our sense of self-worth, and create moments of timeless enchantment. The song embraces the idea that true love is a precious and multifaceted experience that transcends the ordinary and makes every aspect of life more splendid.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is a many splendored thing
Love is a beautiful and multifaceted experience
It's the April rose that only grows in the early Spring
Love is like a rare and delicate flower that flourishes during a specific time
Love is nature's way of giving a reason to be living
Love provides purpose and meaning to life, just like nature does
The golden crown that makes a man a king
Love is the ultimate source of power and greatness in a person's life
Once on a high and windy hill, In the morning mist
In a magical and mystical setting, two lovers found themselves
Two lovers kissed and the world stood still
The love between two people has the ability to make everything else fade away and become insignificant
Then your fingers touched my silent heart and taught it how to sing
Your touch brought my heart to life and filled it with joy and happiness
Yes, true love's a many splendored thing
Indeed, genuine love is a magnificent and extraordinary phenomenon
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Sammy Fain, Paul Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind