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.
Firefly
Tony Bennett Lyrics
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'Cause, oh, my
She radiates moon glow
Wants none of that noon glow
She starts to glitter
When the sun goes down
'Bout eight p.m., it's mayhem
Lights up and gives me a call
Take me to the fireflies ball
But when I get her there
Set her there
Do I get to pet her there
And grab me some glow
No, she's a gad about, mad about
Luring every lad about
While leaving me moaning low
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Latch onto you no how
Oh, how I love you but gee
While you set the night on
Firefly, shine a little light on me
But when I get her there
Set her there
Do I get to pet her there
And grab me some glow
No, she's a gad about, mad about
Luring every lad about
While leaving me moaning low
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Latch on for you no how
Oh, how I love you but gee
While you set the night on
Firefly, shine a little light on
Shine a little light on
Shine a little light on me
The song Firefly by Tony Bennett is a romantic ballad about a woman who radiates moon glow, referred to as ‘Firefly’. The song’s narrator is in love with Firefly but is frustrated that he is unable to get her to pay attention to him. Firefly seems to be a wild and free-spirited woman who is more interested in attracting attention from every other man around her than setting her sights on just one. She enjoys going out at night and lighting up the dance floor, but this leaves the singer feeling moaning and frustrated. He pleads with Firefly to give him a chance and shine a little light on him.
The lyrics of Firefly compare the woman to a firefly - a beautiful and elusive creature that lights up the night sky. The metaphor adds to the song’s romantic and whimsical nature. The song’s narrator is clearly infatuated with Firefly and her ability to light up the room. Although he is frustrated that she doesn’t notice him, there is still an underlying feeling of admiration for her free-spirited nature.
Overall, Firefly is a classic romantic ballad that captures the feeling of being in love with someone who is just out of reach. The lyrics are beautiful and the melody is hauntingly beautiful, making it a timeless love song.
Line by Line Meaning
I call her Firefly
I gave her that name because she shares the same qualities as this winged insect and has a powerful radiance.
'Cause, oh, my
I am in awe of her beauty and charm.
She radiates moon glow
She possesses a luminescence that is both entrancing and enchanting like the moon's light.
Wants none of that noon glow
She prefers not to shine brightly in the daytime.
She starts to glitter
As the sun sets, she begins to sparkle and shine, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
When the sun goes down
Her beautiful glow and radiance become more pronounced as the daylight fades away.
'Bout eight p.m., it's mayhem
Around 8 PM, things get chaotic and start moving swiftly.
She switches those brights up
She turns up the intensity of her luminescence, making her stand out even more.
Lights up and gives me a call
She illuminates and contacts me, letting me know that it's time to head out for an adventure.
Take me to the fireflies ball
Together we go to a gathering of Fireflies where we can see others like her and learn about their world.
But when I get her there
When we arrive at the event,
Set her there
After she settles in,
Do I get to pet her there
Am I allowed to touch her?
And grab me some glow
Can I take some of her glittering light?
No, she's a gad about, mad about
No, she's a flirt who enjoys the company of many.
Luring every lad about
She attracts many suitors with her beauty and charm.
While leaving me moaning low
Whilst I am left feeling sad and disappointed, wanting to be chosen by her.
Oh, Firefly, why can't I
Oh, Firefly, why can't I connect with you and become more than just a spectator?
Latch onto you no how
Why can't I hold on to you tightly and be with you alone?
Oh, how I love you but gee
I have such strong feelings for her, but unfortunately!
While you set the night on
Although she brightens up the night sky and fills me with joy,
Firefly, shine a little light on me
I still long for her to notice and favor me over the other suitors around her.
Shine a little light on
I hope she can acknowledge my presence and feel my affection.
Shine a little light on me
I genuinely want to be with her and bask in the glow of her radiance.
Lyrics © WORDS & MUSIC A DIV OF BIG DEAL MUSIC LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: CAROLYN LEIGH, CY COLEMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind