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.
BECAUSE OF YOU
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because of you my romance had its start
Because of you the sun will shine
The moon and stars will say you're mine
Forever and never to part
I only live for your love and your kiss
It's paradise to be near you like this
And I can smile
Because of you
I only live for your love and your kiss
It's paradise to be near you like this
Because of you my life is now worth while
And I can smile
Because of you
The song "Because of You" is a classic love song performed by Tony Bennett. The lyrics express the deep gratitude of the singer to his lover, attributing a sense of joy, romance, and completeness to their love. The song begins with "Because of you there's a song in my heart," meaning that the lover has inspired the singer's creativity and happiness. This idea is expanded upon throughout the song, with the singer declaring that their romance started because of their partner, and that their love is the reason why the sun shines and the moon and stars favor them forever.
There is a clear sense of reverence and adoration in the lyrics, with the singer proclaiming that they only "live for [their] love and [their] kiss." They describe being near their partner as "paradise," a place of perfect happiness and joy. The final verse reinforces the idea that the singer's life is now fulfilled because of their partner's love, ending the song on an optimistic note.
Overall, "Because of You" is a celebration of love's transformative and uplifting power. It recognizes the ways in which love can change a person's life for the better, bringing light and joy to everything they do.
Line by Line Meaning
Because of you there's a song in my heart
Your presence fills me with so much joy that it inspires me to sing and express my happiness.
Because of you my romance had its start
I fell in love with you and it was the beginning of a beautiful romantic journey.
Because of you the sun will shine
Your love brings light and warmth to my life, making everything brighter.
The moon and stars will say you're mine
The celestial bodies seem to acknowledge our love and declare that we belong together.
Forever and never to part
Our bond is unbreakable and we will always stay together.
I only live for your love and your kiss
Your love and affection give me purpose and meaning in life.
It's paradise to be near you like this
Being close to you feels like pure bliss and paradise.
Because of you my life is now worth while
You have made my life complete and fulfilled with your presence.
And I can smile
Your love brings joy to my life and puts a smile on my face.
Because of you
Your impact on my life is immeasurable and I am forever grateful for your love.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Arthur Hammerstein, Dudley Wilkinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind