James Last (Hans Last, * April 17, 1929 in Bremen, † June, 9, 2015 in Flori… Read Full Bio ↴James Last (Hans Last, * April 17, 1929 in Bremen, † June, 9, 2015 in Florida) was a German composer and big band leader with a large fan base in Europe and world-wide. Last's trademark was arranging pop hits in a big-band style; his series of "party albums" is equally well-known. Over the course of his career, he has sold well over 100 million albums.

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.

Substitute
James Last Lyrics

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Sam
You've been waiting much to long
Now it looks like she's not coming home.
Sam

You've been loyal
True and faithful
All this time with being alone.

If I could get that same dedication
I'd give you everything in creation
If she doesn't come back

[Chorus]
If she doesn't come back
I'll be your substitute
Whenever you want me
Don't you know I'll be your substitute
Whenever you need me

Sam every day you waited for her
I've been waiting here for you.
Sam
All this time I've been lonely

I know what you've been going through
I'll wait until ain't chances will come
'Cause you can't keep playing on her
If she doesn't come back.

[Chorus]

Each day by your window you sit and sigh hoping to see her face.
Ay
You might as well forget about her and find someone to take
Her place.

[Chorus]

Don't you know I'll be your substitute...

Overall Meaning

The song "Substitute" by James Last centers around a man named Sam who has been waiting for his love interest to come back. The opening lines suggest that he has waited for too long and that it's become clear that she is not coming back. Through the chorus, the singer offers to be Sam's substitute, suggesting that he is willing to take the place of Sam's love interest if she never returns. The song is generally interpreted as a love song, with the artist empathizing with Sam's situation, and offering him comfort, love, and emotional support.

The chorus specifically states that the singer will always be there for Sam whenever he needs him, acting as his "substitute" for his lost love interest. The lyrics also suggest that Sam has been waiting for her before, leaving him "loyal, true, and faithful." The artist then reflects on his own desire for such dedication before promising to be part of Sam's life, showing empathy and understanding for the situation at hand.

Overall, "Substitute" is a bittersweet song about the pain of waiting for someone and the comfort one can find in meaningful interpersonal relationships. The song reminds us that sometimes we have to accept the reality of what we cannot change and look to those around us for love, care, and support.

SubstituteJames Last Lyrics

Substitute
James Last Lyrics