Reportedly, upon being asked to create a theme song for the film-in-progress, Bricusse and Newley looked at each other instantly and sang out, "Goldfinger . . . wider than a mile," parodying "Moon River," the successful theme song from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Newley originally recorded the song, but it was re-recorded with Bassey to great effect. In 1992, Newley's version was released to mark the 30th Anniversary of James Bond on film, in a compilation collector's edition: The Best of Bond...James Bond. The release on vinyl of Bassey's version sold more than a million copies in the US, and it also reached #1 on the Japanese charts and the top ten of many European countries. The song has become Bassey's theme song and she has performed it in most of her concerts since the 1960's, often as an opening number.
After the release of the later James Bond theme song "Licence to Kill", from the 1989 film of the same name, it was felt to significantly reuse important elements of the Goldfinger song, and so the songwriting credits for the former were adapted for all subsequent releases.
The song "Goldfinger" also featured prominently in the film Little Voice, appearing in the film in much the manner of its first use but with Michael Caine slamming the door that becomes the song's first chord blast, rather than, of course, Sean Connery.
The song was remixed by Propellerheads for the 2000 album Diamonds are Forever: The Shirley Bassey Remix Album. It was also sampled by reggaeton artist Tego Calderón on his song "Alegría". It has also been covered in a heavy metal fashion by Finnish rock group Leningrad Cowboys.
Goldfinger
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's the man, the man with the Midas touch
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
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 by Shirley Bassey is the title track of the 1964 James Bond movie of the same name. The song sets a sinister tone, telling us about the main villain of the movie Auric Goldfinger, known for his Midas touch, who only loves gold and has a cold finger that beckons people to enter his web of sin. The lyrics describe how he seduces people with golden words only to betray them in the end. The "golden girl" mentioned in the song is the character played by actress Shirley Eaton who famously appears covered in gold paint in the movie's opening credits. The lyrics warn her and others to beware of the heart of gold that is cold and deadly.
The haunting melody and powerful vocals of Shirley Bassey's Goldfinger made it an instant classic. The song's composer John Barry said he wanted to write a song that would capture the essence of the movie's villain, and the result was the dramatic, dark and menacing tune that perfectly encapsulates the film's atmosphere. Interestingly, the song was almost not used in the film as the producers were initially hesitant to include it because they thought it sounded too much like a Christmas carol.
Line by Line Meaning
Goldfinger
Introduction to the song and its main character
He's the man, the man with the Midas touch
Describing Goldfinger's ability to turn anything he touches to gold, like the mythical Greek King Midas
A spider's touch
Comparing Goldfinger's touch to that of a spider, perhaps suggesting danger and manipulation
Such a cold finger
Further emphasizing the cold, detached nature of Goldfinger
Beckons you to enter his web of sin
Imagery of a spider's web, implying that Goldfinger's intentions may not be pure
But don't go in
Warning against getting involved with Goldfinger
Golden words he will pour in your ear
He may use persuasive language to lure you in
But his lies can't disguise what you fear
The truth cannot be hidden forever and it is important to remain aware and cautious
For a golden girl knows when he's kissed her
A woman who has been with Goldfinger should know better because they've experienced the aftermath before
It's the kiss of death from Mister Goldfinger
Emphasizes the danger involved in falling for Goldfinger
Pretty girl beware of this heart of gold
While he may appear to be generous and kind, his true nature is not to be trusted
This heart is cold
Reiteration of Goldfinger's lack of warmth or compassion
He loves only gold
Suggesting that Goldfinger prioritizes material wealth and power over all else
Only gold
Repetition for emphasis
He loves gold
Reiteration of Goldfinger's fixation on gold
He loves only gold
Final emphasis on Goldfinger's singular obsession
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Anthony Newley, John Barry, Leslie Bricusse
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind