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.
Rags to Riches
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire, just like Elton
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart, I'd still be king
Your love is all that ever mattered
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure that I'm hoping for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
In Tony Bennett's popular song "Rags to Riches," the lyrics tell a story of a man deeply in love with a woman who holds the key to his transformation from poverty to great wealth. He acknowledges his current circumstances, noting that while he may be wearing tattered clothes and have an empty pocket, his heart is fit for a king. He believes that with her love, he would become a millionaire.
The singer pleads with his love interest to communicate her feelings and care for him, asserting that doing so would signify the beginning of a life of abundance and prosperity. He expresses his desire to be enveloped in her embrace, which would provide him access to all his heart's desires. He recognizes the reality of his situation and the possibility of being forever stuck in misery, yet he also acknowledges the possibility of a bright future with the woman he loves. His fate ultimately rests in her hands, with the decision to bring him from rags to riches.
Overall, the song speaks to the transformative power of love and the effect that it can have on a person's life, particularly in the realm of one's socioeconomic standing. The lyrics are both poetic and poignant, painting a picture of the possibilities that can arise when one finds their true love and opens themselves up to the transformative power of that love.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I'd go from rags to riches
I am confident that my fortunes will change drastically
If you would only say you care
If you could express your love for me, I would achieve great success
And though my pockets may be empty
Even though I am financially poor at the moment
I'd be a millionaire
I know that I would be incredibly rich in love and happiness
So open your arms and you'll open the door
If you embrace me, you will bring new opportunities into my life
To every treasure that I'm hoping for
I believe that my deepest wishes and desires will be fulfilled
Ay que sienta besarla que no hay nadie mas como yo!
I long to kiss you because no one else can understand me like you do
Must I forever be a beggar
Do I have to live a life of poverty and desperation?
Que nunca vio salir el sol
Where the sun never rises
Or will I go from rags to riches
Is it possible for me to completely transform my circumstances?
My fate is up to you!
You have the power to change my destiny with your love and support
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Harry M
It reminds me of Goodfellas movie. Sends shivers down my spine.
I'm sad but happy for you Tony Bennett.
Lovely song and voice.
May you be in a much happier place and keep singing and dancing.
We love you lovely Tony and the good old days!
Harry💪☀️😃✌️🇧🇷🇵🇹🇮🇳☀️🍉🌽
AF1
Lyrics:
I know I'd go from rags to riches
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It's everything
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you
SATAN orochi
Lyrics
I know I'd go from rags to riches
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It's everything
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
Emma Street
We walked out of our wedding ceremony to this absolute banger. RIP Tony! ❤
Phil Collins VEVO
Perfect
dragonfly6908
Impeccable taste.
xcalabur18
Boss move.
Richarlison
boss move
Michael Russo
Tony Bennett Banger 🤦♂️
Vulture
RIP Tony Bennett...finally free from the grasp of Alzheimers, a life well lived and sung.
Gary Reid
I remember the first time I heard this song was in an episode of Happy Days when Fonzie was about to have a confrontation with a gang and then Carmine Ragusa appears singing Rags To Riches. The gang suddenly had second thoughts and backed out(if my memory serves).
But when I heard Rags To Riches in the film Goodfellas, it was synonymous with the opening of the film. It fits so well. And it is a great feel good song.
He went from rags to riches and now is in a better place.
Thank you, Tony. Rest In Peace.
richard Lai
"As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster"
Gets my vote as the greatest opening line in history of film
DoctorXander
There are some lines before that when they say stuff like what the fuck was that? but they're basically sound effects lol