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.
Just Friends
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just friends, but not like before
To think of what we've been and not to kiss again
Seems like pretending it isn't the ending
Two friends drifting apart
Two friends, but one broken heart
We loved, we laughed, we cried, and suddenly love died
The lyrics to Tony Bennett's song "Just Friends" are about a relationship that has ended, but the two people involved are trying to remain friends. The song speaks of the struggle of maintaining a friendship after a romantic relationship has come to an end. The opening line, "Just friends, lovers no more," indicates that the two people involved were once in love but are now trying to move on from that phase of their lives. However, the line "Just friends, but not like before" suggests that their friendship will never be the same as it once was, which adds another level of sadness to the song.
The lyrics go on to say that it's difficult to think about what they once had and not be able to kiss or be intimate with each other anymore. The line "Seems like pretending it isn't the ending" suggests that they are both struggling to come to terms with the fact that their relationship is over. The chorus, "Two friends drifting apart, two friends, but one broken heart" is a poignant reminder that even though they are trying to remain friends, one of them is still hurting deeply.
Overall, the lyrics of "Just Friends" beautifully articulate the complex emotions that come with the end of a romantic relationship and the attempt to maintain a friendship.
Line by Line Meaning
Just friends, lovers no more
We used to be romantic partners but now we are only friends.
Just friends, but not like before
We are still friends, but our relationship has changed since we ended our romantic involvement.
To think of what we've been and not to kiss again
Remembering our past romantic experiences together only makes it more difficult to resist the urge to be intimate once again.
Seems like pretending it isn't the ending
Trying to act like our romantic relationship never existed is a futile effort, as the feelings and experiences we shared cannot be erased.
Two friends drifting apart
As time passes and our relationship evolves, we are losing the closeness that we once had as romantic partners.
Two friends, but one broken heart
Even though we are both trying to move on, one of us is struggling with the pain of the breakup more than the other.
We loved, we laughed, we cried, and suddenly love died
Our romantic relationship had all the ups and downs of any relationship, but ultimately it ended suddenly and painfully.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOHN KLENNER, SAM M. LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind