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.
Time After Time
James Last Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As the light sinks low, will I see you any more?
As the rain falls from the sky
Can I bring you back, from a distant lullaby?
Show me your vision, the story begun
Two lights are rising and burning as one
Shine the millions of stars and my spirit burning bright,
Spinning on, into the sun, flying higher
Now my journey's begun
And the
Cold, cold wind, it blows me away
The feeling all over is a black black day
But I know that I'll see you again
And I know that you're near me
There's a star, calling my name
Its echo is true and the song is not the same
Take my hand and lead me away
Bring me back to you in your arms I'm going to stay
Show me your vision, the story begun
Two lights are rising and burning as one
All those years drifting in space
I have known you well, yet I've never seen your face
You turn around, looking at me, laughter in your eyes
And now I can see
And the cold, cold wind, it blows me away
The feeling all over is a black black day
But I know that I'll see you again
And I know that you're near me
And the cold, cold wind, it blows me away
The feeling all over is a black black day
Now I know that I'll see you again
Now I know that you're near me
The lyrics to James Last's song "Time After Time" depict a longing for connection and reunion with a loved one. The opening lines, "When the sea falls from the shore, as the light sinks low, will I see you any more?" convey a sense of uncertainty and anticipation. The singer wonders if they will ever see the person they yearn for again. The imagery of rain falling from the sky and the desire to bring them back from a distant lullaby highlights the longing and the longing for a reunion.
The chorus, "Show me your vision, the story begun, two lights are rising and burning as one," suggests a shared journey of two individuals finding their way back to each other. It speaks of unity and the merging of two souls. The deep blue of the night and the millions of shining stars symbolize the vastness of the universe and the singer's burning spirit as they embark on their journey. The repetition of the phrase "And the cold, cold wind, it blows me away, the feeling all over is a black black day," reinforces the pain of separation but also holds on to the hope of reunion.
In the second verse, the singer reflects on their years drifting in space without seeing the face of their beloved. However, there is a turning point when the person finally turns around, laughter in their eyes, and the singer can see them. This moment signifies the fulfillment of their longing and the realization that their connection transcends physical presence.
Line by Line Meaning
When the sea falls from the shore
When everything familiar and stable in my life is suddenly lost and uncertain
As the light sinks low, will I see you any more?
As hope starts to fade, I wonder if I will ever be able to see you again
As the rain falls from the sky
As sadness and despair surround me
Can I bring you back, from a distant lullaby?
Can I find a way to bring you back to me, despite the distance and separation?
Show me your vision, the story begun
Reveal your dreams and hopes to me, let me be a part of the beginning of our journey
Two lights are rising and burning as one
Our souls are intertwining and our love is growing stronger
In the deep blue of the night
In the serene and tranquil darkness
Shine the millions of stars and my spirit burning bright
The beauty of the stars illuminates my soul and fills me with passion
Spinning on, into the sun, flying higher
Moving forward with determination towards new horizons, reaching for greater heights
Now my journey's begun
I am embarking on a new chapter in my life
And the cold, cold wind, it blows me away
The harsh realities and challenges of life overwhelm and affect me deeply
The feeling all over is a black black day
I am engulfed in a profound sadness and darkness
But I know that I'll see you again
Despite the difficulties, I firmly believe that our paths will cross once more
And I know that you're near me
I have a strong sense of your presence and support, even when you're physically distant
There's a star, calling my name
There is a guiding light and a sense of destiny leading me towards my true purpose
Its echo is true and the song is not the same
The message it carries resonates deeply, transforming my perspective and altering my path
Take my hand and lead me away
Take me under your wing, guide me towards a brighter future
Bring me back to you in your arms I'm going to stay
Return me to your loving embrace, where I want to remain forever
All those years drifting in space
For all the time I've spent feeling lost and detached from my purpose
I have known you well, yet I've never seen your face
I deeply understand your essence and connection to me, despite never having met you in person
You turn around, looking at me, laughter in your eyes
Finally, we meet and you gaze at me with joy and amusement shining in your eyes
And now I can see
In this moment of connection, everything becomes clear to me
Now I know that I'll see you again
I am certain that our paths will cross once more
Now I know that you're near me
I am reassured by the knowledge that you are always with me, supporting me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: SARAH CLASS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind