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.
Let Yourself Go
Tony Bennett Lyrics
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As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
If you step out on the floor
You'll forget your trouble
If you go into your dance
You'll forget your woe
So:
Get together
Let the dance floor feel your leather
Step as lightly as a feather
Let yourself go
Come
Hit the timber
Loosen up and start to limber
Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Let yourself go
Let yourself go
Relax
And let yourself go
Relax
You've got yourself tied up in a knot
The night is cold but the music's hot
So
Come
Cuddle closer
Don't you dare to answer "no, sir"
Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer
Let yourself go
Tony Bennett's song Let Yourself Go talks about the power of music and dancing to free you from your worries and problems. The opening lines suggest that listening to a band play can uplift you and give you a bubble of happiness, hence inviting the listener to step out and feel the energy. The lyrics encourage the listener to stop worrying and let go of their troubles, as dancing to the music will make them forget their worries and lift their spirits.
The song moves on to the chorus, calling the listener to come out on the dance floor and let loose, feeling their leather shoes as they dance. The lyrics urge the listener to loosen up, feel the beat of the hot marimba, and let themselves go. The refrain repeats the phrase "let yourself go" as a mantra, encouraging the listener to relax and forget their worries. The closing lines call for people of all professions to come together and enjoy themselves, reminding them that everyone deserves a break from the stresses of life.
Line by Line Meaning
As you listen to the band don't you get a bubble?
As you hear the music, don't you feel an excitement rising within you?
As you listen to them play don't you get a glow?
As you hear the music, don't you feel a warmth spreading throughout your body?
If you step out on the floor You'll forget your trouble
If you start dancing, your problems will fade away.
If you go into your dance You'll forget your woe
As you continue to dance, all of your sadness and worries will vanish.
Come Get together Let the dance floor feel your leather Step as lightly as a feather Let yourself go
Come join us on the dance floor, let your shoes feel the smooth surface as you dance without a care in the world.
Come Hit the timber Loosen up and start to limber Can't you hear that hot marimba?
Come dance to the rhythm of the music, loosen up your body and feel the beat.
Let yourself go Relax And let yourself go Relax
Allow yourself to fully unwind and let go of your worries and stress.
You've got yourself tied up in a knot The night is cold but the music's hot So
You may be feeling tense and overwhelmed, but the music offers a warm escape from the cold night.
Come Cuddle closer Don't you dare to answer "no, sir" Butcher, banker, clerk and grocer Let yourself go
Come closer and dance with us, don't hesitate because of your profession, let loose and forget all your worries.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind