She now resides in Monaco and has recently sold her London apartment. Many of its furnishings were auctioned for charity. Two very popular 'Audiences With Shirley Bassey' have aired on British TV, the most recent being in March 2006.
In 2006, UK retailer Marks and Spencer hired Bassey for their Christmas advertising campaign, with Dame Shirley singing a cover of P!nk's 'Get the Party Started'.
In late 2009 Bassey released 'The Performance' her first studio album for two decades, which was released in a maelstrom of anticipation. Still popular well into one of the longest and most illustrious musical careers in British and indeed international history, Bassey is considered by Brits to be a national treasure.
Big Spender
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
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I could see you were a man of distinction
A real big spender
Good lookin' so refined
Say, wouldn't you like to know what's goin' on in my mind?
So let me get right to the point
I don't pop my cork for every man I see
Hey big spender,
Wouldn't you like to have fun, fun, fun
How's about a few laughs, laughs
I could show you a good time
Let me show you a good time!
The minute you walked in the joint
I could see you were a man of distinction
A real big spender
Good lookin' so refined
Say, wouldn't you like to know what's goin' on in my mind?
So let me get right to the point,
I don't pop my cork for every guy I see
Hey big spender
Hey big spender
Hey big spender
Spend, a little time with me
Yes
In Shirley Bassey's song "Big Spender," the singer is addressing a wealthy and sophisticated man she has just met. From the moment he walked into the room, she could tell he was someone who was used to spending a lot of money and living a life of luxury. However, she also sees that he is good looking and refined, and she's intrigued by what might be going on in his mind. She gets right to the point and tells him that she doesn't just give herself to any man; he'll have to spend some time with her if he wants to get to know her better. She then paints a picture of a fun and exciting night out, promising to show him a good time if he'll give her the chance.
The lyrics of "Big Spender" are both seductive and empowering. On the one hand, the singer is using her sexuality to entice the man, suggesting that he can have whatever he wants if he's willing to spend some time and money on her. On the other hand, she's also making it clear that she's not just a passive object to be bought and sold; she has agency and control over who she chooses to spend her time with. In this way, the song is both a celebration and a critique of the power dynamics inherent in relationships between men and women.
Line by Line Meaning
The minute you walked in the joint
From the moment I saw you enter this place
I could see you were a man of distinction
It was evident that you were a person of superiority
A real big spender
Someone who spends a lot of money without concern
Good lookin' so refined
Physically attractive and elegant in manner
Say, wouldn't you like to know what's goin' on in my mind?
Do you have any interest in knowing what I'm thinking?
So let me get right to the point
I'll come straight to the topic I have in mind
I don't pop my cork for every man I see
I don't get excited about every guy I come across
Hey big spender
You, who spends lavishly, are being addressed
Spend a little time with me
Allocate some time to be in my company
Wouldn't you like to have fun, fun, fun
Won't you be willing to enjoy yourself, a lot?
How's about a few laughs, laughs
Shall we share some laughter?
I could show you a good time
I can make you have a great experience
Let me show you a good time!
Allow me to make it happen for you!
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, CTM Publishing, Lucky Libra Publishing
Written by: Cy Coleman, Dorothy Fields
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind