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.
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That I ask you, the sweetheart
Why should we quarrel ever
Why can't we be enough clever, never to part
Every time we say goodbye I die a little
Every time we say goodbye I wonder why a little
Why the gods above me who must be in the know
They allow you to go
When you're near
There's such an air of spring about it
I can hear a lark somewhere begin to sing about it
There's no love song finer
But how strange the change from major to minor
Every time we say goodbye
Every time we say goodbye
In these lyrics, Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga express their deep love for each other and question why they ever have to part ways. They wonder why the gods above would allow them to be separated. The first two lines of the stanza emphasize the depth of love they share and how they question why the little things escalate into quarrels. They then express that every time they say goodbye to each other, they feel like they are dying a little inside and they question why this must be the case. They wonder why the gods above do not think highly enough of them to allow them to be together always.
The second stanza expresses the happiness they feel when they are together with an allusion to the freshness of spring. The lark signifies the happiness they feel when they are around each other. They go on to say that there may not be any love song finer than theirs. However, they are aware that despite the love they share, they must say goodbye, and the change from major to minor symbolizes the sadness they feel every time they say goodbye.
Line by Line Meaning
We love each other so deeply
We share a profound love for each other
That I ask you, the sweetheart
I address you, my beloved, with this question
Why should we quarrel ever
Why should we ever argue or fight with each other?
Why can't we be enough clever, never to part
Why can't we use our intelligence and never allow ourselves to be separated?
Every time we say goodbye I die a little
Every time we part, a part of me feels like it dies
Every time we say goodbye I wonder why a little
Whenever we bid farewell, I question the reason behind it
Why the gods above me who must be in the know
I wonder what divine knowledge the higher powers possess
Think so little of me
That they have such a low opinion of me that they permit you to leave
When you're near
When you're in my proximity
There's such an air of spring about it
I feel a sense of hopefulness and new beginnings
I can hear a lark somewhere begin to sing about it
The sound of a singing lark indicates the happiness and renewal that I feel
There's no love song finer
There is no better tribute to love
But how strange the change from major to minor
Despite the joy that love brings, it can also lead to sorrow and despair
Every time we say goodbye
Each time we part ways
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Royalty Network, Sentric Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cole Porter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Asja Kahle
That song, so gentle & romantic, filled my ❤ with beauty. Thank you, Mr. B.!
Dann Venchek Studios
One of the best voices ever!!!!! Amazing!!!!
Andy Bennett
Brilliant...could listen to this over and over
Bryan M
My long-distance relationship is ending next week, so although I won't need this song anymore, it will always be in my heart ❤️
Ann Pommer
Sorry 🎼💛
Lee Noga
How can I download this song???
Misur Obando
Amazing soul great song
Richard Condon
He started out in the 50's with a slightly embarrassing tenor and very awkward on stage. Time goes by and excellence pervades till it's a new genius. All it takes is enough time which we all deserve.
New shovel
My favourite version.
Rae
Tony is the man😭