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.
The Lady Is A Tramp
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On "Live at Talk of the Town" inserted: I have, I have
And never wished for turkey
I've hitched and hiked and drifted to
From Maine to Alberquque
Alas I missed the beaux arts ball
And what is twice as sad
Where they honoured Noel Coward
On "Live at Talk of the Town":
I was never at Barbra Streisands party - aaah
And that make me bloody mad
A...[unknown] funny girl
On "At The Pigalle":
Alas I'm always known as being in the pie(??)
I was never at Alma Cogans party
A shame
When she honoured Ringo Starr
On "The Birthday Concert" & video "An Audience With Shirley Bassey":
I was never at Hugh Grants party
When he honoured the great divide - ouh
His social circles move to fast for me
My hobohemia is the place to be
I get too hungry for dinner at eight
I love the theatre but never come late
I never bother with people I hate
That's why this lady is a tramp
I don't like crap games with barons and earls
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of those girls
That's why this lady is a tramp
I like the free fresh wind in my hair
Life without care
I'm broke... that's oke
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why this lady is a tramp
I like the free fresh wind in my hair
On "Live at Talk of the Town": I like the free fresh wind in my wig
Life without care
I'm broke... that's oke
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
That's why this lady is a tramp
And I love it
Yes, I'm a tramp, and I love it
And I wish that you will come in my way yeah
I wish that you will come in my way yeah
I wish that you will come in my way
Yes, I'm a lady
But a tramp
The song "Lady is a Tramp" by Shirley Bassey is a classic tune about a woman who proudly lives life on her own terms. The lyrics are a testament to her independence and her refusal to conform to societal expectations. The lyrics talk about how the woman has been dining on simple food like mulligan stew and doesn't crave turkey. She has also traveled a lot and missed out on many parties or events that honored famous people like Noel Coward, Alma Cogan, and Ringo Starr. Despite those misses, she is content being a "tramp" and isn't interested in hanging out with the wealthy and famous or gossiping about other people's lives.
The lyrics also state that she enjoys the freedom of not being tied down by societal norms or expectations. She doesn't like dressing up for fancy events, playing games with the wealthy, or engaging in gossip. This lady prefers the simple things in life, like feeling the fresh wind in her hair and living life without a care. The last part of the song repeats that yes, she is a tramp and she loves it, while also saying that she wishes someone would come along and appreciate her for who she is.
Overall, the song celebrates individuality, independence, and not being constrained by societal norms or pressures. The lyrics suggest that it is okay to live life on one's own terms, even if that means not fitting in with what others expect.
Line by Line Meaning
I've wined and dined on mulligan stew
I have enjoyed various rough and humble meals
And never wished for turkey
I have never desired for luxuries
I've hitched and hiked and drifted to
I have traveled far and wide with no set direction
From Maine to Alberquque
I have journeyed from coast to coast
Alas I missed the beaux arts ball
Unfortunately, I did not attend the high society event
And what is twice as sad
To add to the misfortune
I was never at a party
I have never been celebrated at social gatherings
Where they honoured Noel Coward
Where the famous writer and actor was recognized
And that make me bloody mad
It's frustrating and maddening
A...[unknown] funny girl
I'm often referred to as the funny girl
Alas I'm always known as being in the pie(??)
Unfortunately, I'm known for being in the background or overshadowed
I was never at Alma Cogans party
I've yet to attend a social event that Alma Cogan also graced
A shame
It's a pity
When she honoured Ringo Starr
During a celebration for the famous drummer, Ringo Starr was recognized
I was never at Hugh Grants party
I've never attended one of Hugh Grant's gatherings
When he honoured the great divide - ouh
When he celebrated the separation or division
His social circles move to fast for me
His social groups are too fast-paced and frantic for my liking
My hobohemia is the place to be
I prefer living a carefree, low-key lifestyle
I get too hungry for dinner at eight
I usually get hungry earlier than eight in the evening
I love the theatre but never come late
I enjoy the performing arts, but always arrive on time
I never bother with people I hate
I avoid those I dislike
That's why this lady is a tramp
This is why I'm seen as a wild, unconventional woman
I don't like crap games with barons and earls
I dislike gambling with the wealthy elite
Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
I refuse to wear expensive clothing in certain areas
Won't dish the dirt with the rest of those girls
I won't gossip with other ladies
That's why this lady is a tramp
This is why I'm seen as a wild, unconventional woman
I like the free fresh wind in my hair
I love the feeling of wind blowing through my hair
Life without care
I live life without worry or stress
I'm broke... that's oke
I'm not wealthy, but it's okay
Hate California, it's cold and it's damp
I dislike the cold, damp climate of California
And I love it
Despite everything, I still enjoy life
Yes, I'm a tramp, and I love it
I embrace my unconventional lifestyle
And I wish that you will come in my way yeah
I hope that you'll cross my path someday
I wish that you will come in my way yeah
Again, I wish that our paths will cross
I wish that you will come in my way
It would be great if we met each other
Yes, I'm a lady
I may be wild, but I'm still a lady
But a tramp
But I enjoy living unconventionally
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Empress
Oh my gosh, Shirley Bassey is the Queen of all Divas. Absolutely golden, powerful voice!!!! No one can sing like her!!!
Francisco Varela Lopez
Me encanta esta mujer! Grande!
yokelam007
Shame on BBC did not give Dame Shirley Bassey a golden hand shake. After more than 50yrs in show business and performing so many series live shows on television. Rating on Shirley was very high and every Saturday night , millions of British and Australian fans stayed home to watch Shirley's performance. Shirley was a house hold name in Britain, Australia and South East Asia.
Shirley Bassey Music and Vids
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
Claudia Celeste
Que fuerza!... Que poderio!!!...
Romeo A Dakdouk
Hi
antonio carlos mendes americano
A Diva!
David Wesley
The DIVA of all DIVAS.
Li An Wei
Magnifique
Shirley Bassey Music and Vids
ATTENTION: Dame Shirley Bassey will be appearing at the 2013 Academy Awards Show In Hollywood on February 24th. She will perform for the 50th James Bond anniversary celebration! Wonderful News! Bassey is herself celebrating 60 (Diamond) years in Show Business, starting back in 1953.