Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
A Child Is Born
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soft as the dawn
Into the light
This Child
Innocent Child
Soft as a fawn
This Child is born
One pair of eyes
One work of art
Here in my arms
Here he lies
Trusting and warm
Blessed this morn
A Child is born
One small heart
One pair of eyes
One work of art
Here in my arms
Here he lies
Trusting and warm
Blessed this morn
A Child is born
The lyrics "A Child is Born" evoke a sense of hope and new beginnings, as they describe the arrival of an innocent child. The song's opening lines describe the child's arrival as "soft as the dawn," suggesting a peaceful and gentle introduction to the world. The image of a fawn is also used to emphasize the child's purity and fragility.
The second stanza zooms in on the child's physical features, particularly their heart and eyes. The child is described as a "work of art" and is held lovingly in the singer's arms. The repeated lyrics of "one small heart, one pair of eyes" drive home the simplicity and significance of this new life.
Overall, the song beautifully captures the joy and wonder that comes with the arrival of a new child, and reminds us of the preciousness of life itself.
Line by Line Meaning
Now, out of the night
From darkness comes a new beginning
Soft as the dawn
Gentle and peaceful like the start of a new day
Into the light
Emerging into a bright future
This Child
A newborn baby
Innocent Child
Pure and untainted by the world
Soft as a fawn
Delicate and vulnerable, like a young deer
This Child is born
A new life has entered the world
One small heart
A beating heart of a newborn
One pair of eyes
Newly opened eyes, viewing the world for the first time
One work of art
A masterpiece creation of new life
Here in my arms
Held close and protected by a loving embrace
Here he lies
Resting calmly and comfortably
Trusting and warm
Innocently relying on those around him, feeling secure and safe
Blessed this morn
A morning filled with wonder and gratitude at the arrival of this new life
A Child is born
The miracle of new life, bringing hope and joy to all
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Tratore, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Thaddeus Joseph Jones, Alec Wilder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind