Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey, (born January 8, 1937), is a Welsh singer, pe… Read Full Bio ↴Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey, (born January 8, 1937), is a Welsh singer, perhaps best-known for performing the theme songs to the James Bond films Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), and Moonraker (1979). She is the only singer to have recorded more than one James Bond theme song.

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.

Somehow
Shirley Bassey Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You are what you are
It was, what it was
The world didn't end
The world never does
I wake up alive
From habit I guess
Yes, I can survive, one love more or less
And sometime, somewhere, somehow

I laugh all my laughter
I've cried my tears now
I want my years now
My years
I've nowhere to go
That I have to be
There's no one I know
Who's waiting for me
There's so much inside
I still have to give
So much to be tried
A life time to live
And sometime, somewhere, somehow
I'll have my tomorrow
Today won't stop me
No way to stop me
Not now
The world still holds me
I want what's due now

If not with you now
Then someone, sometime, somehow

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Shirley Bassey's "Somehow" speak to the universal experiences of resilience, survival, and hope. The opening lines, "You are what you are / It was, what it was / The world didn't end / The world never does" suggest acceptance and a recognition that life goes on, even in the midst of hardship or heartbreak. The singer acknowledges that they "wake up alive / From habit I guess" and can "survive, one love more or less," indicating a sense of determination and perseverance.

The chorus of the song, "And sometime, somewhere, somehow / I'll have my tomorrow / Today won't stop me / No way to stop me / Not now," is a powerful mantra of hope, underscoring the idea that there is always a new day and a new opportunity to find happiness, love, and fulfillment. The singer reflects on their past experiences ("I've laughed my laughter / I've cried my tears now") and recognizes that they have "nowhere to go / That I have to be" and "no one I know / Who's waiting for me." Despite this, they remain positive and embrace the journey ahead. The lyrics are a testament to the human capacity for resilience and the power of hope in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

You are what you are
Accept yourself for who you truly are

It was, what it was
Accept your past as it is, and move on

The world didn't end
Life goes on even after the worst of situations

The world never does
Life moves on, with or without you

I wake up alive
Every day is a new chance at life

From habit I guess
Sometimes we just go through the motions of life, even if we don't feel like it

Yes, I can survive, one love more or less
Love is not the only thing that keeps us going, we can survive with or without it

And sometime, somewhere, somehow
There's always hope, even when we can't see it

I laugh all my laughter
I've experienced all life's joyous moments

I've cried my tears now
I've experienced all life's painful moments

I want my years now
I want to live my life to the fullest

My years
My life

I've nowhere to go
I am not bound to one place or person

That I have to be
I have the freedom to choose my own path

There's no one I know
I am not defined by my relationships

Who's waiting for me
I am not dependent on anyone else

There's so much inside
I have so much potential

I still have to give
I have so much to offer the world

So much to be tried
There's still so much for me to experience and learn

A life time to live
I have my whole life ahead of me

And sometime, somewhere, somehow
There's always hope, even when we can't see it

I'll have my tomorrow
I have hope for the future

Today won't stop me
Bad days do not define my life

No way to stop me
I am unstoppable

Not now
Not at this moment

The world still holds me
I still have a place in this world

I want what's due now
I deserve happiness and success

If not with you now
If not with a specific person

Then someone, sometime, somehow
I will find happiness and success somehow, someday

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: HAL HACKADY, LARRY GROSSMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

Keith Yearwood

5y↑15

It is not just the magnificence of the power of her voice that sets her apart; it is the subtle way she uses her voice to build up to that amazing end. She just pulls you in and compels you to listen to her delivery. WOW!

Nick Brampton-Ward

4y↑6

Anyone could die happily having heard this! Truly at the apex in the mid '70s!

Peter Starbuck

4y↑4

This has to be one of my favorite Bassey songs ever .. the passion in every single word - I believe everything she is telling me . NO ONE since can match her for this ever . ❤️❤️❤️Shirley Bassey is an icon legend and unique one off

Patrick Tobin

11y↑8

Wow! Just a stunningly beautiful woman singing a wonderful song in an absolutely powerful and incredible fashion. Bravo!

Alan Gregory

9y↑22

Possibly the GREATEST female singer of all time.....and I'm a Callas , Sutherland., Caballe, Nilsson devotee.....................Shirley...darling...you've always done it for me!!...xx

Luto Huja

7y↑2

The greatest singer of all times!!!!!!!!!

Robert Ford

9y↑10

She must of been at the height of her career just fantastic

Samuel Halligan

6y↑2

She began in the mid-50s so she was already almost two decades into her career and established as a legend.

IFINEVERSING

11y↑4

and what is more remarkable is those days her concerts were a little shorter but she gave 2 performances a night... I was there that night

El Rey Ray_D

4y↑1

I can’t get enough of her powerful gorgeous vocals. The best ever female artist!

P4uLy

10y↑9

This is how's its done :) I want to sing like her with power and emotional conviction

Gary 65

3y↑3

What a beautiful woman. Just stunning.

Ana Silva

11y

Que grande emoção ao ouvir SB. !!!! Sensibilidade,voz mágica com energia de uma grande mulher!!!!

Ian Preston

2y↑1

This 1973 performance was fantastic, still now this song and show at the Albert Hall is unbelievable, brilliant shirley . The best

michel j

9y↑9

Maybe the best ''LIVE'' performer of all time...

steve tyler

5y↑1

without a doubt

Wesley Ballard

9y↑1

With out a doubt!!!!

Mayor Harriet

11y↑1

Powerful for sure. What talent, what a voice.

Malone Drakes.3

3y↑1

I love her and the way she express each song she sings.

Rebeca del Real

13y

Genius!!!!!!!! Tu como siempre dando felicidad a los fans de esta gran señora. Te juro que de solo escucharla se me eriza la piel. Gracias por este bello video

Shaun Wakefield

6y↑5

why has this concert not been put on a DVD?

Robert Ford

9y↑5

What a tantrum, lol soo powerful love it

Fernando de Souza

11y

por lejos, la mejor!!!

Gary

This song , is in my top 5 favourite songs of hers , which she belts out so effortlessly. The emotion which she evokes , is bewitching to watch . The way in which she empathizes the words, strong ,assertive , ascends to a captivating climax her expressive movements spot on with the orchestra.
This is a performance from a living legend. Uncomparible. A Diva + an icon + a Dame.
I have re-watched her singing this song over + over +over +over again + again + again , + every time I feel exuberant.
In fact this whole show , is a brilliant live performance from 1973 !! In the London Palladium.
She was all of 38yrs old at the time.
Now she is 85yrs of age , and looks magnificent.
God Bless you Dame Shirley.
Wishing you healthy , happy memorable moments to come .

Gertie M Snell

WOW!! She is still fantastic!!! AND BEAUTIFUL,TOO!

susukibandit Northampton

8y↑14

Adele, you are good but this is great.

DAVID WOLF

13y

Thank you for posting this live version of one of the tracks from Dame Shirley's perfect 1973 LP, "Never Never Never," and there are not enough accolades or flowers for her performance, or that dress! Who could quibble over the words for such an artist! Happy Mardi Gras!! ***DAVE♫♫♫♫DJ***

COBYKOEHL2

6y↑1

my favorite song of hers of all time

Robert Wilkes

Quite simply, THE GREATEST!

P4uLy

10y↑1

This is how's its done :) I want to sing like her with power and emotional conviction

Shaun Wakefield

6y↑15

To all the two penith upcoming Female Singers of today ?
This is how it is done. Literally

steve tyler

6y↑2

auto tuned no,one sings anymore THANK YOU SHIRLEY X thanks shaun

Cyto Rap

5y↑1

Wonderful

COBYKOEHL2

12y

My favorite of all time Ever!

ATCINBONITA

She’s the Best . Period

Darina Grozeva

Amazing

michel j

11y↑2

...and THAT is live !

Konstatinos Arvanitis

the best voice in the world

peter sommerville

publisher (angel) .... you bring me into myself each time i hear her..... her best ever performance... her moment................. thank you so much for the chance to see and listen to her at her ultimate moments..... so much ....thank you.............xxxx

Filipe Passos

11y↑1

shiverrssss when i listen this voice

Konstatinos Arvanitis

3y↑1

THE HIGHEST OCTAVES EVER!!!!

david hinds

10y↑5

i have never heard this song before

stu potts

5y↑1

Off the album never never never

SEAN ACHILLEOS OFFICIAL

11y

she always gives 100% and more

Alan Gregory

5y↑1

I work at one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the North of England..in fact possibly THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ....and I'm gonna make sure all the students see this woman in action!!!...Musical Theatre....she could have sung Elaine Paige et al. off the stage...being given the chance......and no mistake...Shirley..Callas..the same mould in my book!!!...Argue with me if you like but I can see Maria singing this and Shirley singing Tosca!!!!...........ha ha ha ha xx

Shirley Bassey Music and Vids

Alan: It's interesting that you mentioned the great Maria Callas in your comment. When Shirley was just starting out her mentors gave her the choice to either pursue the industry as a classical artist OR go into POP/Jazz music. Of course it's history that Shirley selected the latter as it was easier for her to make her mark in the music industry due to her natural talents alone. Another great Classical Soprano, Jessye Norman once met Shirley after seeing one of her shows and she asked her, 'How She Does it?' Shirley didn't know what she meant, so Jessye told her that she can sing one song right after the other singing full out, and most classical artists have to rest between numbers. Shirley was so appreciative of such a compliment coming from one of the greats! I know classical female artists have to rest between songs as I attended a Kiri Te Kanawa concert, and didn't understand what was going on until someone told me. And, neither did many other people in the audience, I'm afraid, as the concert wasn't in a classical artist setting.

Jay Schwartz

2y↑1

There is no other singer that after he or she sings, the audience doesn't know what to do with it. It has not happened before. It is timeless, one of a kind, so spectacular and thrilling, yet there is nothing to compare it to. She is the only singer that goes through me. I met her she kissed me and I kissed her, I told her that I loved her, after she held the back of my head smiled at me , like I had a full circle of life. I will never forget it.

Alpha Alfonso

5y↑1

SOMEHOW..YOU ARE LOVED!!!

Pete Cernan

Bloody glorious

John Parsons

A one off can never be imitated

Jay Schwartz

8y↑5

for my inspiration, I listen to this..

Jun Dimaala

4y↑2

Still watching the dame shirley. I am in my late 20 and a new fan..

Shirley Bassey Music and Vids

4y↑1

Thanks to Youtube, people from all generations stumble on to this ladies Music and performances everyday.. And, many that take an unbiased view of Shirley's songs and performances over the last 66+ years become Dame Shirley Bassey fans everyday. No matter what your generation, when you see someone like Shirley perform, something hits you that you have not seen anyone like her before. She is so unique, vibrant, and can back everything up with this incredible voice. She is one of those few top-tier vocalists who has it all. And, at 83 yo, she still does!

B

Thank you Shirley 😊

Jay Schwartz

8y↑6

the best there ever was, maybe next to garland..

steve tyler

Yeh jay (ol man river )one of my fav,s

the lady sings the blues

2y↑1

There are no singers like her today..😖

Shirley Bassey Music and Vids

For many decades, music lovers have been looking for the next Shirley Bassey. There are many great voices today, but few combine singing ability with a performance style that acts out or helps to convey the song. Shirley learned this when she first started in the business by listening and taking note of the guidance from elder vaudeville performers. When she started in the business in the early 1950's Vaudeville was out, but many were still performing in shows. They gave Shirley great advice, and she took it. The rest is history!

Haerton

11y

Don't doubt you're a massive fan and best regards, but still think the 'where' note, her choice, fit better here but each to his own. All the best.

Pearl Helvezia

10y↑3

Yeppa...! Shirley <3 love you so much.

MusicLoverBrian1

13y

@toucheturtle300 I much prefer her using "somewhere" at the end of the song rather than "somehow". But I do agree about today's singers that are coming out of the woodwork. The music industry today is all about marketing and less about skills, passion, devotion, and great care and attention to the craft and art of singing. Shirley Bassey is NO comparison to Susan Boyle! Shirley has more prescence on stage and seems so full of passion and experience on the stage, even when she was at a young

Shirley Bassey Music and Vids

11y

Happy Birthday Dame Shirley! I join all of your world wide fans to wish you a wonderful Birthday, and a most prosperous 2013. Your Diamond Anniversary in Show Business (60) years, is truely an amazing feat for any artist! We all are impatiently awaiting for you to record your next CD....hope hope hope, and maybe you will decide to tour the world to celebrate with all your fans...Regards, Scot

Jay Schwartz

8y↑1

adele got nothing on this, no one does..

Shirley Bassey Music and Vids

Adele is very popular around the world now, and I like her a lot. But, vocally Shirley is hard to beat when compared any other singer, past or present. Her vocals a fluid, as she moves up and down the scales with ease, and changing full octaves as the song requires. Many who really haven't take a good listen to many of Shirley's recordings tend to think of her as the belter. For a song like this, they are right, but it's because a song like this needs a Shirley Bassey. But, when the song calls for it, Shirley can also sing a mellow song as good if not better than anyone else.

HEKTOR

11y

Should have been 'Somehow' in the end.

Slakfocmsnvfgls

6y↑2

Too open of a vowel for this kind of note, she knew she wouldn't nail it so she changed it like a real pro!

cj myers

11y

oh dear god....

LadyCourageous

13y

I agree with you touchturtle300, there is no comparison between Dame Shirley and Susan Boyle! Miss Boyle doesn't have the stage presence & sex appeal that Dame Shirley has!

Haerton

11y

Fits note wise; that is what she was thinking no doubt,; singers can choose where to go:who are you to question her?

THALLES J GUILHERME

Shirley Nasser my baby

bellini verdi

4y↑2

viva............JOAN SUTHERLAND.................viva....MARIA CALLAS.....................VIVA.....................LA GRAN MIREILLE MATHIEU..............LA GRAN ARETHA FRANKLIN..........LA FENOMENAL......BARBRA STREISAND.................LA ...........GRANDIOSA.......JUDY GARLAND...................LA GRAN EDIT PIAF.....................LA LUPE.........................DALMA OLIVEIRA.....................Y MUCHAS MAS GRANDES.............VOCES......QUE YA HOY DIA.........NO EXISTEM............PORQUE ESTA GRANDEZA MUSICAL......YA NO SE FOMENTA.............................

MusicLoverBrian1

13y

@toucheturtle300 age she seems that she already belonged on the stage and she didn't seem like a rookie like Susan Boyle does. Susan does her live performance and messes up on her notes and I believe that if she didn't come out of the woodwork the way she did and actually trained more and sung at many clubs and events then she would look more professional and experienced. There's a BIG difference between yesterday's singers versus today.