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.
Don't Wait Too Long
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't wait too long
My songs go on when yours has just begun
Don't wait too long
Fall is a lovely time of the year
When the leaves turn to golden brown
But soon fall is ending and winter is near
Why must the moments go by in such haste?
Don't wait too long
Winter is coming, we've no time to waste
Don't wait too long
And while my heart's gay and foolish
And free and still can sing its song
Share every precious moment with me
Don't you wait too long
So while my heart's gay and foolish
And free and still can sing this song
Share every precious moment with me
Don't wait too long
The lyrics to Tony Bennett's song "Don't Wait Too Long" are rich with metaphorical language that speaks to the fleeting nature of time and the need to cherish every moment. The first verse sets up the concept of seasons, with the singer comparing themselves to autumn and their partner to summer. While the partner's songs have just begun with the promise of endless possibility, the singer's songs continue on, but with the knowledge that they will eventually come to an end. The chorus serves as a reminder not to let time slip away, with winter approaching and the leaves preparing to fall. The second verse reinforces the idea that time is moving quickly, with the moments passing by in a blur. The singer urges their partner to share every precious moment with them, emphasizing the need to enjoy life in the present moment.
Overall, the song is a poignant reflection on the impermanence of life and the importance of embracing each moment with open arms. The seasonal imagery is particularly effective, as it summons up vivid pictures of beauty tinged with melancholy. The plaintive melody and lilting tempo also add to the bittersweet nature of the lyrics, creating a haunting mood that lingers long after the song is over.
Line by Line Meaning
You are the summer and I am the autumn
You represent the warm, lively and youthful season of summer, whereas I signify the cooler, mature and aged season of autumn.
Don't wait too long
Please don't procrastinate or hesitate because time is fleeting and we should cherish every moment.
My songs go on when yours has just begun
As someone who has been around for longer, I have had more life experiences and have more stories to tell. Your journey has just started, so let's walk together.
Fall is a lovely time of the year
The autumn season is beautiful and enchanting because the changing leaves create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
When the leaves turn to golden brown
The changing of the leaves may signal the end of summer, but it also marks the start of autumn and the exciting new experiences it brings.
But soon fall is ending and winter is near
Although autumn is magical, we need to remember that the brisk winds and chilly temperatures of winter are quickly approaching.
And the leaves start tumblin' down oh oh
The leaves falling to the ground is a reminder that time is passing quickly and we must seize every opportunity we have.
Why must the moments go by in such haste?
Time seems to fly by quickly which can be frustrating, but it should motivate us to make every moment count.
Winter is coming, we've no time to waste
Winter is just around the corner, so it's important to make the most of our time together and not put things off.
And while my heart's gay and foolish
I am feeling happy and carefree, and I want to share that joy with you.
And free and still can sing its song
I am not weighed down by responsibilities or worries, so I can fully embrace the present moment and enjoy it to the fullest.
Share every precious moment with me
Let's make the most of every second we have together and create unforgettable memories.
Don't you wait too long
I am urging you to act now and not let time slip away from us, because we may not have another chance.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: SUNNY SKYLAR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind