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.
Once Upon A Time
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Put her hand in mine and said she loved me so
But that was once upon a time, very long ago
Once upon a time, we sat beneath a willow tree
Counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn
But that was once upon a time; now the tree is gone
How we always laughed as though tomorrow wasn't there
We were young and didn't have a care
Where did it go?
Once upon a time, the world was sweeter than we knew
Everything was ours; how happy we were then
But, somehow, once upon a time never comes again
The song "Once Upon a Time" by Tony Bennett is a nostalgic ballad about the fleeting nature of happiness and the bittersweet memories of love lost. The lyrics paint a picture of a beautiful, romantic past that can never be recaptured. The first verse describes a girl with "moonlight in her eyes" who once professed her love for the singer. However, that time has passed, and the singer is left only with memories of a long ago love.
The second verse describes a happy moment shared by the two lovers beneath a willow tree as they counted the stars and waited for the dawn. But like the tree itself, that moment too has disappeared into the past. The lyrics create a sense of wistful longing for a time when things were simpler and love was pure.
The last verse reflects on how the world was once so much sweeter than they even knew. The couple had everything in the world, and they were so happy. But once upon a time, as the song says, never comes again.
Overall, the song is a haunting reminder that our happiest moments are often fleeting and that we should cherish them while they last.
Line by Line Meaning
Once upon a time, a girl with moonlight in her eyes
Once, a long time ago, I met a girl whose eyes sparkled like the moon.
Put her hand in mine and said she loved me so
She took my hand and expressed her love for me.
But that was once upon a time, very long ago
Unfortunately, this happy memory is from a time that has passed and cannot be relived.
Once upon a time, we sat beneath a willow tree
There was a time when we spent moments relaxing under a willow tree.
Counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn
While seated below the tree, we gazed at the stars and waited for the morning.
But that was once upon a time; now the tree is gone
However, that moment is also locked in the past, and the tree has since disappeared.
How the breeze ruffled up her hair
I remember how the wind would blow and play with her hair.
How we always laughed as though tomorrow wasn't there
She and I laughed without worry about the future, living in the joyful moment.
We were young and didn't have a care
Back then, we were carefree and without responsibility.
Where did it go?
I wonder why those days of happiness and youthfulness had to pass so quickly.
Once upon a time, the world was sweeter than we knew
There was a specific time where the world appeared even kinder.
Everything was ours; how happy we were then
During this time, we were joyous and satisfied with all that was around us.
But, somehow, once upon a time never comes again
Unfortunately, one cannot return to the past, and such a joyful moment can only exist as a memory.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Charles Strouse, Lee Adams
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stav 🦄
Once upon a time
A girl with moonlight in her eyes
Put her hand in mine
And said she loved me so
But that was once upon a time
Very long ago
Once upon a hill
We sat beneath a willow tree
Counting all the stars and waiting for the dawn
But that was once upon a time
Now the tree is gone
How the breeze ruffled up her hair
How we always laughed as though tomorrow wasn't there
We were young and didn't have a care
Where did it go
Once upon a time
The world was sweeter than we knew
Everything was ours
How happy we were then
But somehow once upon a time
Never comes again
Once upon a time
Never comes again
dina113east
Something heart wrenching about the words "Once upon a time the world was sweeter than we knew". I quote those words frequently. We don't realize how sweet our lives are until everything changes. A beautiful, but haunting song.
David D
I heard it too..... shivers
Karen Wahl
Very sad and mournful
Kenneth Anderson
"Once upon a time, the world was sweeter than we knew...." That lyric will live forever. It takes every scrap of strength I have to hold back the tears when I hear Tony sing this. Memories of joy, dreams, and heartbreak. Every great singer creates a mental movie that you were either starring in yourself, or clearly knew the plot to. I saw Tony during his newer rise to fame later in life. He had all of us grabbed by the first 3 bars, and for 2 hours we cared less about anything else. May Tony's last years be spent in joy.
Steve Miller
As we all now know Tony Bennett has left us however, he's left us with wonderful music memories that will continue on forever. What SilverDreamer62 wrote a year ago really caught my attention because what this person wrote was something I was thinking about only the writer put it better in words. We are the lucky ones who were blessed to hear this man perform his talents so beautifully and leave such wonderful work for the rest of us to enjoy. Thanks for the memories Tony and may you continue your wonderful talent in heaven.
Wes Jackson
My favorite of his songs, immortal rendition. Tony left us today but that voice will always be with us. RIP Tony Bennett
Rick Cohen
by far the best version of this song. Bennett's phrasing is impeccable.
Domenico Trombetta
This songs always brings tears
to my eyes. If only it could come again . its sad and true but life goes on . Great song it stops time in its tracks and brings you back to a place and time when your heart was touched by love
Pat Slough
Rest in Peace, Tony. We will never hear a voice like yours again😢
Richard Gledhill
Tony is not well now and I would like to say thank you Tony for all those magnificent songs you have sung for us over many years.