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.
Second Time Around
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
It's that second time you hear your love song sung
Makes you think perhaps that love, like youth, is wasted on the young
Love's more comfortable the second time you fall
Like a friendly home the second time you call
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
I'm oh, so glad we met the second time around
The song "Second Time Around" by Tony Bennett is an observation on the beauty and comfort that comes with love the second time around. The lyrics suggest that the second time love is experienced, it is more profound, mature, and easier to handle. The singer emphasizes that love is not just for the young but can be experienced at any stage of life. The lyrics also suggest that love is a miracle, and it is difficult to explain how it happens. The singer is glad to have met his love the second time around, and the audience can feel his gratitude for having a second chance with the one he loves.
The lyrics of this song can be interpreted in different ways, and the meaning may vary from person to person. Some listeners may relate to the message of the song, some may not. However, the overall message is that love is worth holding on to, and it is not limited to a particular age or time in life. The use of "love song" in the lyrics is symbolic of the experience of being in love, and how it can change one's perspective on life.
Overall, "Second Time Around" is a song that celebrates second chances and the beauty of love, regardless of age or time.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is lovelier the second time around
The feeling of love becomes even more beautiful when experienced for the second time.
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
Even though you approach love with more practicality and logic the second time around, it still feels as wonderful.
It's that second time you hear your love song sung
There's something special about hearing a love song again for the second time that makes you appreciate love even more.
Makes you think perhaps that love, like youth, is wasted on the young
When you experience love for the second time, you realize that young people may not fully understand or appreciate the true value of love.
Love's more comfortable the second time you fall
When you fall in love again, it feels more familiar, and you feel more at ease because you've been through it before.
Like a friendly home the second time you call
Love becomes like a familiar, comfortable place that you can come back to again and again.
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
There's something inexplicable about finding love again, and it's difficult to pinpoint what brought you together.
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Some people believe that you can only experience true love once, but this song suggests otherwise.
I'm oh, so glad we met the second time around
The artist is expressing their happiness and gratitude for finding love again.
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
There's something inexplicable about finding love again, and it's difficult to pinpoint what brought you together.
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Some people believe that you can only experience true love once, but this song suggests otherwise.
I'm oh, so glad we met the second time around
The artist is expressing their happiness and gratitude for finding love again.
Lyrics © THE BICYCLE MUSIC COMPANY
Written by: ARTHUR L. PORTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind