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.
My Foolish Heart
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love's knocking at the door
But oh my heart, I'm reluctant to start
For we've been fooled before
The night is like a lovely tune
Beware, my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
For they both give the very same sensation
When you are lost in the magic of a kiss
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware, my foolish heart
But should our eager lips combine
Then let the fire start
For this time, it isn't fascination
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love, my foolish heart
For this time, it isn't fascination
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love, my foolish heart
In "My Foolish Heart," Tony Bennett and Bill Evans sung about the risk of falling in love again. The lyrics depict the emotions of a person who is feeling hesitant to start a new relationship because of being fooled before. The singer speaks of the constant knock of love at the door of their heart but is scared to start a new relationship because of past heartbreak.
The lyrics describe the romantic moonlit night but warn the heart to be careful as it is foolish and often gets confused between love and fascination. The singer acknowledges the similarity between the two and how they both feel the same when lost in the magic of a kiss. The fear of falling for someone and being hurt again is evident throughout the song, but in the end, the singer chooses to trust the heart, start a new relationship, and let the fire of love start because this time, it's love.
Line by Line Meaning
The scene is set for dreaming
The atmosphere is perfect for imagining an ideal love scenario.
Love's knocking at the door
The possibility of finding love is close at hand.
But oh my heart, I'm reluctant to start
Despite the chance for love, previous experiences have made it difficult to commit.
For we've been fooled before
Past relationships have resulted in heartbreak and skepticism towards new possibilities.
The night is like a lovely tune
The mood of the night is enchanting and romantic.
Beware, my foolish heart
Be cautious, as emotions may lead to taking risks that could result in disappointment.
How white the ever constant moon
The moon's light is bright and unchanging, a reflection of the potential for enduring love.
Take care, my foolish heart
Remain careful and alert to not make the same mistakes as before.
There's a line between love and fascination
It's difficult to differentiate between strong infatuation and true love.
That's hard to see on an evening such as this
The romantic ambiance of the surrounding evening clouds judgment.
For they both give the very same sensation
Infatuation and love can both produce similar intense feelings.
When you are lost in the magic of a kiss
Physical connection can create a strong sense of excitement and passion.
Her lips are much too close to mine
Despite knowing the risks, the temptation of physical intimacy is still present.
But should our eager lips combine
If physical intimacy occurs, let the passion ignite.
Then let the fire start
Let the passion and romance intensify.
For this time, it isn't fascination
This time, the emotions are genuine and not just fleeting fascination.
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
This time, the love is real and won't just disappear or fail.
It's love, this time it's love, my foolish heart
The strong emotions present are real and true love is possible.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ned Washington, Victor Young
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@szdn
The night is like a lovely tune
Beware my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see, how many names such as this
For they both have the very same sensation
When you're locked in the magic of a kiss
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware my foolish heart
But should our eager lips combine
Then let the fire start
For this time it isn't fascination
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart
@papaldanondo
La noche es como una melodía encantadora
Tenga cuidado con mi alocado corazón
¿Cómo blanco de la luna siempre constante
Ten cuidado, de mi alocado corazón.
Hay una línea entre el amor y la fascinación
Eso es tan difícil de ver en una noche como ésta
Para que den la misma sensación
Cuando se pierden en la pasión de un beso.
Cuando sus labios estén demasiado cerca de los míos
Tenga cuidado con mi alocado corazón
Pero si nuestros labios ansiosos se enlazan
Luego es que, se ha iniciado el fuego.
Pero esta vez no es la fascinación
Oh un sueño que se desvanecerá y se deshará
Es amor esta vez, es el amor,
mi alocado corazón.
Hay una línea entre el amor y la fascinación
Eso es tan difícil de ver en una noche como ésta
Para que den la misma sensación
Cuando se pierden en la pasión de un beso, oh sí.
Cuando sus labios estén demasiado cerca de los míos
Tenga cuidado con mi alocado corazón
Pero si nuestros labios ansiosos se enlazan
Luego es que, se ha iniciado el fuego.
Pero esta vez no es la fascinación
Oh un sueño que se desvanecerá y se deshará
Es amor esta vez, es el amor,
mi alocado corazón.
@secondsightcinema3957
R.I.P., Antonio Benedetto, aka Tony Bennett…here’s to a life well lived and to the glorious music you gave us all these years…may your memory be a blessing.
@quickmcglick
Safe travels, Tony. Thank you.
@elgrupocachedallas9685
Two of greatest on their respective instruments. I hope they have found each other again.
@judyangel23
I'm sure they have.
@markvanh1104
One of the most beautiful songs ever recorded. Love it loud.
@charlesbarry6730
One of the great piano/ voice combinations: Two legendary performers. Unfortunately , Bill Evans left us some years ago. Tony is still alive and performing.
@zandoka
Well....not anymore :-(
@suddenumbra117
RIP Tony Bennett
@musikkunstetc.8465
Le sigh....
@szdn
The night is like a lovely tune
Beware my foolish heart
How white the ever constant moon
Take care my foolish heart
There's a line between love and fascination
That's hard to see, how many names such as this
For they both have the very same sensation
When you're locked in the magic of a kiss
Her lips are much too close to mine
Beware my foolish heart
But should our eager lips combine
Then let the fire start
For this time it isn't fascination
Or a dream that will fade and fall apart
It's love, this time it's love
My foolish heart