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.
Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
The lyrics of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" by Tony Bennett is a cheerful and festive song that spreads the spirit of Christmas. The song presents a message of hope and optimism for a better tomorrow. The song encourages the listener to forget about their troubles and focus on the joyous holiday season.
The opening line, "Have yourself a merry little Christmas," sets the tone of the song. The lyrics invite the listener to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season with a happy heart. The line, "From now on, our troubles will be out of sight," further reinforces the concept of leaving one's problems behind and embracing the festive spirit.
The verse, "Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore," is a nostalgic reflection of the past when Christmas was celebrated with simplicity and purity. The line, "Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather near to us once more," is reminiscent of the joy of spending time with loved ones. The chorus, "Through the years, we all will be together, if the fates allow," highlights the importance of togetherness during the holiday season.
The song concludes with the line, "So hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now." The lyrics encourage the listener to embrace the Christmas season with enthusiasm, hope, and a positive attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish you a joyous Christmas celebration
Let your heart be light
Let go of your worries and be happy
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
We will forget our problems and focus on the festivities
Make the Yuletide gay
Celebrate the holiday season with joy and merriment
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Our worries will not bother us during Christmas time
Here we are as in olden days
We are reminded of the happy memories from past Christmas celebrations
Happy golden days of yore
Nostalgia for happy times in the past
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Our close and loyal companions who are important to us
Gather near to us once more
Reconnect and spend time together during the holidays
Through the years we all will be together
The hope that we will continue to celebrate Christmas together in the future
If the fates allow
If circumstances permit
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Symbolic gesture of hope and light during the festive season
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Enjoy the holiday season and be happy
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Tratore
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Walker
They don't make them like Tony Bennett anymore. Great song!
NHMO OYTIS
My favorite version of this. THANKS!
Rudy Ponzio
Ha. Thank you for this beauty!!!
It’s almost like there are no hearts left out there that crave pure beauty.
That seek it out.
I have come to think that radio was far far far more connected to and for us all.
This thing in our hands has us ignorant to our innate compassion.
We find ourselves sunk and have fallen into beats of every flavor . All combatant as backdrop.
I could sing a talented Author’s deepest wishes in a composition of depth and wonder.
And no one would care to absorb into it.
It’s all about vogue and entertainment and art is what they are calling it!
Hey Im moved like everybody by the tough as nails rants hooks verb-age and all that.
But what ? No warmth no building on the beauty and depth of these great Artist.
Ha. They were artist before all the beat makers started calling themselves artist.
Look you can sing away slang and cursive with in your own custom composition and always be spot on.
Try to dig deep and relay a complicated story in song and note that you did not write. Then make the author’s cry that they send you flowers the next day....
My favorite singer of all time who drives me into introspection and has me scrambling to connect with loved ones and smile for no reason day dreaming ideals that warm my being-ness.
NO ONE EVER DID THAT FOR ME LIKE TONY BENNETT.
Ha. He never got to hear me sing.
Go figure. Well what ever I put out there so far musically is all I could muster. But so far from where I actually am in creating connectivity.
But it’s what I could do with what I had.
And that’s good enough for now.
I would really like to get with a trio of the right stuff for about a month.
Ha. What could come out of that.
With the sweetest touch and the force come over you..
Wow! Who can afford that. It’s costly having live musicans create beauty backdrop and pulse. Who’s paying for that. Ha who’s going out to hear anything anymore .....😃
Bless you always Tony.
I’ve always been listening.
It’s penetrated my living. Thank you Thank you Thank You
Rudy Ponzio
NHMO OYTIS
Have always loved Tony since I was little. I’m 68 1/2 now!
ilona frissina
Ok Tony Bennett I'm sold on this album. 🌲🌲
Martin Fournier
Thanks for playing the verse (so rare)
Mikhail Krysin
Extra!
mike angel cortez
Happy holidays 2021
Brian Beckstrom
Jurassic World brought me here