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.
Isn't This A Lovely Day
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The thunder and lightning
Seem to be having their way.
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
The turn in the weather
Will keep us together
So I can honestly say,
That as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
Let the rain pitter patter
But it really doesn't matter
If the skies are gray.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
The lyrics to Tony Bennett's song "Isn't This A Lovely Day" paint the picture of a couple caught in a thunderstorm, yet the singer seems unfazed by the changing weather. To her, it's still a "lovely day." Despite the chaos, she is grateful for the turn in the weather that has kept her and her significant other together. The rain does not bother her, and she's content as long as she's accompanied by her lover.
The singer's feelings are enhanced by the sun that can still be seen shining high above the storm clouds. The optimism in this lyric is tied to the love shared between the two people. It's part of a classic love song formula of taking an adverse situation and making it romantic. The storm serves as a symbol of hardship that the couple will encounter, but they will overcome it together. It's a reminder that true love will last through any storm, and make life's struggles worth living.
Line by Line Meaning
The weather is frightening.
The current weather conditions are terrifying.
The thunder and lightning
The loud noise and bright flashes in the sky
Seem to be having their way.
Appear to be in control of the situation
But as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day.
Despite the bad weather, I am happy with the current situation.
The turn in the weather
The change of weather conditions
Will keep us together
We will stay together as the weather changes
So I can honestly say,
With sincerity, I can express
That as far as I'm concerned, it's a lovely day
Regardless of the weather, I am content with this moment.
And everything's okay.
Everything is good and unproblematic.
Isn't this a lovely day to be caught in the rain.
This is a beautiful day to be unexpectedly caught in the rain.
You were going on your way, now you've got to remain.
You were previously departing, but must now stay with me due to the rain.
Just as you were going, leaving me all at sea,
Right as you were leaving me feeling lost and uncertain,
The clouds broke, they broke and oh what a break for me.
The clouds dissipated, providing me with a fortunate opportunity.
I can see the sun up high, though we're caught in a storm.
Despite the storm, the sun is still visible.
I can see where you and I could be cozy and warm.
I envision a comforting situation for the two of us.
Let the rain pitter patter,
Allow the sound of the raindrops to be heard
But it really doesn't matter
The rain does not affect my current happiness
If the skies are gray.
Even if the sky is clouded and dismal.
Long as I can be with you, it's a lovely day.
As long as I am with you, the day is delightful.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind