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.
Sorry
James Last Lyrics
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Who's Sorry Now?
Who's heart is aching for breaking each vow?
Who's sad and blue?
Who's crying too?
Just like I cried over you.
Right to the end,
Just like a friend,
You had your way,
Now you must pay;
James Last's song "Who's Sorry Now" is a heartbreaking tale of love and heartbreak. The lyrics ask a poignant question of the person who has broken their vow and caused heartache: "Who's sorry now?" The song is a lament of a heartbroken lover who has been betrayed, asking who is feeling the pain that they have been feeling. The lyrics suggest that the listener had their way in love, but now they must face the consequences of their actions.
The repeated question of "Who's sorry now?" highlights the pain of betrayal and the feeling of being left alone to face it. The use of the words "sad and blue" and "crying too" evoke emotions of mourning and heartache. The singer reveals that they had warned the listener, just like a friend, but they were not able to heed their advice. Now, the listener must pay the price for their actions and face the sorrow that their lover has been dealing with.
Overall, "Who's Sorry Now" is a poignant tale of love and heartbreak that highlights the pain and sorrow of betrayal. The lyrics evoke strong emotions of sadness and mourning, leaving listeners with a sense of empathy and understanding for those who have experienced heartbreak.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's Sorry Now?
Who is feeling regret or remorse now?
Who's heart is aching for breaking each vow?
Who is experiencing emotional pain because of their broken promises?
Who's sad and blue?
Who is feeling down and depressed?
Who's crying too?
Who else is shedding tears?
Just like I cried over you.
I cried over you, and now someone else is doing the same over someone else.
Right to the end,
Until the very end,
Just like a friend,
I tried to warn you like a friend would.
I tried to warn you somehow.
I tried to alert you in some way.
You had your way,
You did what you wanted,
Now you must pay;
Now you must face the consequences of your actions.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bert Kalmar, Harry Ruby, Ted Snyder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind