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.
Wind Beneath My Wings
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To never have sunlight on your face
You were content to let me shine
You always walked a step behind
I was the one with all the glory
While you were the one with all the strength
Only a face without a name
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I would like to be
I can fly higher than an eagle
'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
But I have it all here in my heart
I want you to know, I know the truth
I would be nothing with out you
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I would like to be
I can fly higher than an eagle
'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
Did you ever know that you're my hero
And everything I would like to be
I can fly higher than an eagle
'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
You are the wind beneath my wings
You are the wind beneath my wings
The song "The Wind Beneath My Wings" by Shirley Bassey is a tribute to an unsung hero, a person who provides support behind the scenes, without whom the main person could never have achieved success. The lyrics talk about how it must have been difficult for the unnamed hero to live in the shadow of the main person, to never get any recognition, and yet have the strength to support them without complaint. The main person acknowledges that while they may have had all the fame and glory, it is the support of this person that allowed them to rise to the top. They are flying high because of the wind (the support) beneath their wings.
The metaphor of the wind beneath the wings is a powerful one, implying that without the support of this person, the main person would not have been able to fly. It is a poignant reminder that success is often not achieved alone, and that we all need someone to support us in the background, whether it is a friend, a family member, or a colleague. The song conveys a sense of gratitude and appreciation for this person and their selflessness, and a recognition that their contribution is just as valuable, if not more so, than the main person's achievements.
Line by Line Meaning
It must have been cold there in my shadow
You were in the background and not getting recognition, which was a difficult and lonely place to be.
To never have sunlight on your face
You were constantly overshadowed and never deemed as important, so you never got a chance to shine.
You were content to let me shine
You were content with supporting me and did not mind being in the background while I had the limelight.
You always walked a step behind
You were always behind me, giving me the space to take the lead and be in the forefront of attention.
I was the one with all the glory
I was the one getting all the recognition and accolades for our shared success.
While you were the one with all the strength
You were the one supporting me and doing much of the heavy lifting, which often goes unnoticed.
Only a face without a name
You didn't get the recognition that you deserved and were often left anonymous despite your contributions.
I never wants heard you complain
Even though you weren't getting the recognition you deserved, you never uttered a single complaint about it.
Did you ever know that you're my hero
You were the unsung hero of our shared success and I look up to you for your strength and support.
And everything I would like to be
I aspire to possess the same level of strength and support that you provided to me.
I can fly higher than an eagle
Your support gave me the confidence to soar to new heights and accomplish remarkable things.
'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings
You provided the foundation and support for me to excel and achieve great success.
It might have appeared to go unnoticed
While your contributions were sometimes overlooked, I have always been aware of the enormous role you played in our shared success.
But I have it all here in my heart
I recognize and value your substantial contributions, even if they were not apparent to others.
I want you to know, I know the truth
I want you to know that I understand and recognize the full extent of your contributions to our shared success.
I would be nothing with out you
I acknowledge that I would not have achieved the same level of success without your support and contributions.
You are the wind beneath my wings
You provided the support and foundation that allowed me to achieve great things and your contributions will always be valued and appreciated.
You are the wind beneath my wings
You are the unsung hero whose contributions were vital to our shared success and who will always be recognized and appreciated.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jeff Silbar, Larry Henley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Georgia Jawaid
What a voice!!!!! She sings without any effort & she does not sound like she's screaming. Very unique talent.
R. S. Kurtz
A beautiful renditon of "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Shirley Bassey. I think Dame Bassey does an excellent job with the song, but I also enjoy Bette Midler's version. No need to compare. They are both first-rate vocalists.
Elianepilularosa Dias
Sempre perfeita amo Shirley
Ann Chirppie Ribbon
Loves listening to Shirley Bassey sing. She's my favourite singer of all time! Never did I ever hear someone as great as or better than her in interpreting love songs, for she's the best among the rest!
H. Lloyd Weston
Thank you, Dame Shirley Bassey!! Thank you for the many years of incomparable musical performances. The feelings you inject in your songs, including this amazing performance, have touched our hearts all across the globe.You will be forever loved by your adoring fans.
Shirley Bassey Music and Vids
I personally like this song, and also enjoy and appreciate the different artists who have recorded and sung it live. It was written with a mid-tempo beat but was changed shortly after to a ballad. But, within the ballad genre, I have found that each artists gives their own stamp to the song, and I have liked every version I have heard, including of course Shirley Bassey's version. But, I'm the glass is half full type of person...
Allen John
I first saw Shirley in concert in 1961 and I have never seen another artist who deserved standing ovations more than this lady.We the audience left the theatre on a cloud ! Shirley once said that there are better singers than her around, but to me, few can give such a performance ! As Bob Fox said, Hugs around you always.ps...as I am getting older, I would like to forward a few concert programmes to someone if they will contact me.
Nicholas Oerton
Have a listen to this every so often,as the arrangement was done by my father Trevor Oerton, Shirley loved the arrangement and it shows just how effortless she makes it sound
Crazy organist
Stunning version I love the orchestration
Nicholas Oerton
Thankyou for your kind words