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.
Thunderball
John Barry Lyrics
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He acts while other men just talk
He looks at this world and once in all
So he strikes like Thunderball
He knows the meaning of success
His needs are more so he gives less
They call him the winner who takes all
Any woman he wants, he'll get
He will break any heart without regret
His days of asking are all gone
His fight goes on, and on, and on
But he thinks that the fight is worth it all
So he strikes like Thunderball
The lyrics to John Barry's song Thunderball describe a man who is a powerful force, constantly on the move and taking action while others simply talk. The song praises this man's determination and willingness to go after what he wants, regardless of the cost. He sees the world through a different view and is not afraid to make a move when an opportunity presents itself. He is described as someone who strikes like Thunderball, with unstoppable energy and power.
The song also touches upon the theme of success, highlighting that the man understands what it takes to achieve it. He is willing to put forth more effort and take risks to get what he wants, and is often called a winner who takes all. The most interesting lyric is where it mentions that the man can have any woman he wants, but he does so without regret, often breaking hearts in the process. Despite any setbacks or challenges, the man perseveres and believes that the struggle is worth it, making him even more unstoppable.
Line by Line Meaning
He always runs while others walk
He goes above and beyond while others do the bare minimum
He acts while other men just talk
He takes action while others just talk about it
He looks at this world and once in all
He looks at the world comprehensively and with a long-term perspective
So he strikes like Thunderball
He takes bold action and makes a big impact
He knows the meaning of success
He understands what it takes to achieve success
His needs are more so he gives less
He prioritizes his own needs over others and gives less in return
They call him the winner who takes all
He is known for winning and taking everything he can
And he strikes like Thunderball
He continues to take bold action and make a big impact
Any woman he wants, he'll get
He can have any woman he desires
He will break any heart without regret
He doesn't care about the feelings of others when pursuing his own desires
His days of asking are all gone
He no longer has to ask for what he wants, as he takes it by force
His fight goes on, and on, and on
He never stops fighting or pursuing what he desires
But he thinks that the fight is worth it all
He believes that the struggle and pursuit of his desires is worth it in the end
So he strikes like Thunderball
He continues to take bold action and make a big impact
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN BARRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind