His family was in the cinema business, but it was during his National Service that he began performing as a musician. After taking a correspondence course and arranging for some of the bands of the day, he formed The John Barry Seven. Barry then met Adam Faith, and composed songs and film scores on the singer's behalf.
It was this notoriety that caught the attention of the producers of Dr. No, who were dissatisfied with the score given to them by Monty Norman. Barry and the JB7 were hired and their recording of Norman's "James Bond Theme" would go on to be one of the most famous signature tunes in film history.
This would be the turning point for Barry, as he would go on to become one of the most celebrated film composers of modern times, winning five Academy Awards and four Grammys, with such memorable scores as The Lion in Winter, Midnight Cowboy, Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.
Barry is often cited as having had a distinct style which concentrated on lush strings and extensive use of brass. However, he was also an innovator, being one of the first to employ synthesizers in a film score (On Her Majesty's Secret Service), and to make wide use of pop artists and original songs in Midnight Cowboy.
Living in his native England until the mid 1970s, Barry spent some time in Spain (for tax purposes) before spending much of his life in the United States, mainly in Oyster Bay, outside of New York.
Barry died of a heart attack on 30 January 2011, at his Oyster Bay home, aged 77 years.
Goldfinger
John Barry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A spider's touch
Such a cold finger beckons you to enter his web of sin
But don't go in
Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
It's the kiss of death from Mister
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold
Golden words he will pour in your ear
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
It's the kiss of death from Mister
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
This heart is cold
He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold
He loves only gold
Only gold
He loves gold
The song Goldfinger, written by John Barry, is the iconic theme song for the third James Bond film of the same name released in 1964. The song has become synonymous with the Bond franchise and is recognized as one of the most well-known and beloved Bond themes. The lyrics of the song tell the story of the film's villain, Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy and powerful businessman who is notorious for his obsession with gold. The lyrics warn of his dangerous and seductive nature and the "kiss of death" he inflicts upon those who fall under his spell.
The opening line of the song, "Goldfinger, he's the man, the man with the Midas touch," refers to the Greek myth of King Midas who could turn everything he touched into gold. Goldfinger's "Midas touch" is used as a metaphor for his extreme wealth and power. The line "But don't go in" warns the listener not to fall for Goldfinger's seductive ways, as his "web of sin" will only lead to trouble. The repeated line "Golden words he will pour in your ear, but his lies can't disguise what you fear" describes Goldfinger's manipulative nature and his use of flattery to achieve his goals.
The lyrics also speak to the themes of greed and materialism, as Goldfinger is depicted as someone who loves only gold and is willing to do anything to obtain it, including murder. The "golden girl" mentioned in the song refers to the character of Jill Masterson, who is killed by Goldfinger in the film by being covered in gold paint. The line "this heart is cold" further emphasizes Goldfinger's lack of empathy and his ruthless pursuit of wealth.
Line by Line Meaning
Goldfinger, he's the man, the man with the Midas touch
Goldfinger is the man with the ability to turn everything he touches to gold, just like the mythological king Midas.
A spider's touch
Goldfinger's touch is like that of a spider, drawing victims into his web of deceit and danger.
Such a cold finger beckons you to enter his web of sin
Goldfinger's touch is seductive, but it leads to a dangerous world of deceit and vice. Don't be lured in.
But don't go in
It's better to resist the temptation of Goldfinger's touch and avoid the dangers of his world.
Golden words he will pour in your ear
Goldfinger will try to convince you with sweet talk and flattery.
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
Even though Goldfinger speaks convincingly, you can sense that something is wrong, and you shouldn't trust him.
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
A woman who has been with Goldfinger can sense that he is dangerous and untrustworthy.
It's the kiss of death from Mister
Goldfinger's kiss is like a death sentence – it will lead to ruin and destruction.
Goldfinger, pretty girl, beware of this heart of gold
Goldfinger seems charming and generous, but his true heart is cold and cruel. Watch out for him, especially if you're a woman.
This heart is cold
Goldfinger has no warmth or compassion – he is driven solely by his desire for wealth and power.
He loves only gold
Goldfinger's obsession with gold is all-consuming. Nothing else matters to him.
Only gold
Goldfinger's sole focus is on acquiring and accumulating gold above all else.
He loves gold
It is clear that Goldfinger's only true love is for the metal of gold.
He loves only gold
Goldfinger is incapable of true human emotions such as love or compassion; his only affection is for gold.
Only gold
Goldfinger's life revolves entirely around the acquisition and possession of gold.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind