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.
Growing Pains
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Next day you give up yelling what's for dessert
You can't explain it but you're one solid hurt
Baby, you've got growing pains
Your Christmas penny doesn't look half so bright
Papa's not president since maybe tonight
When you're not quite so sure that Mom's always right
Nothing's wrong, just growing pains
And they'll never hurt too long
When there are cobwebs in dreams that you weave
When there's no magic in the words 'Make believe'
When doubt comes peeping out and tugs at your sleeve
Baby, you've got growing pains
When you come home from school and don't slam the door
Ride down the banisters or slide 'cross the floor
When you don't cry for every toy in the store
Baby, you've got growing pains
They're not bad, just growing pains
You'll be awfully glad you had
them someday
The lyrics of Tony Bennett's song "Growing Pains" describe the experience of growing up and the various changes and challenges that come with it. The song is written from the perspective of someone who is watching a young person go through these changes and recognizing that they are just a natural part of life. The first verse talks about the physical changes that come with growing up, like a girl's skirt getting longer and a child no longer demanding dessert. These seemingly small changes can still cause a lot of emotional turmoil, as the child is still trying to navigate the world around them. The second verse touches on more complicated changes, like realizing that parents aren't infallible or losing faith in the power of imagination.
The chorus acknowledges that these growing pains can be difficult, but also reassures the listener that they won't last forever. The final verse focuses on the positive aspects of growing up, like learning to control one's emotions and developing a more mature attitude. The song overall is a nostalgic reflection on the process of growing up and how it shapes us as individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
One day your mama drops the hem of your skirt
When you start realizing and experiencing changes and growth in your life.
Next day you give up yelling what's for dessert
When you start sacrificing childish demands and accept responsibilities.
You can't explain it but you're one solid hurt
When you feel hurt and uncomfortable due to the changes that come with growth and maturity.
Baby, you've got growing pains
The discomfort and struggles that come with the process of growth and maturity.
Your Christmas penny doesn't look half so bright
When things that used to bring you joy start to become less important or desirable to you.
Papa's not president since maybe tonight
When the authority figures in your life lose some of their power or significance.
When you're not quite so sure that Mom's always right
When you start questioning the beliefs and teachings of those who have authority over you.
Nothing's wrong, just growing pains
The struggles that come with growth and development are normal and not indicative of a larger problem.
And they'll never hurt too long
The challenges that come with growth eventually pass and do not cause long-term harm.
When there are cobwebs in dreams that you weave
When you start questioning or doubting your own aspirations and ambitions.
When there's no magic in the words 'Make believe'
When the illusions and fantasies of childhood lose their charm or appeal.
When doubt comes peeping out and tugs at your sleeve
When uncertainty and hesitation begin to impact your decisions and confidence.
When you come home from school and don't slam the door
When you start behaving in a more mature and respectful manner towards others.
Ride down the banisters or slide 'cross the floor
When you start enjoying and appreciating simpler pleasures and experiences rather than seeking constant excitement or stimulation.
When you don't cry for every toy in the store
When you begin to prioritize and make more informed decisions about your wants and needs.
They're not bad, just growing pains
The struggles and discomfort that come with growth are not inherently negative or harmful.
You'll be awfully glad you had
Despite the temporary discomfort, the growth and development you experience will ultimately be beneficial and rewarding.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARTHUR SCHWARTZ, DOROTHY FIELDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind