The song is best known in the English-speaking world as a 1963 recording by Tony Bennett. He gained a number 18 hit on the U.S. pop singles chart with it; it also became one of his rarer UK Singles Chart hits, making it to number 27 there. "The Good Life" became one of Bennett's staple songs, and was featured on two of his top-selling albums, 1994's MTV Unplugged and 2006's Duets: An American Classic, the latter featuring Billy Joel. Bennett also named his 1998 autobiography after the song. As of 2009, he still performs the song live and often jokingly dedicates it to Britney Spears.
"The Good Life" was the theme song of the 2000 British gangster film, Gangster No. 1, and it was also employed as a 2007 jingle for a line of pet foods of the same name. A Julie London rendition was used by British Airways in its 2008 promotion of the new London Heathrow Terminal 5 facility.
The Good Life
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mm, the good life lets you hide all the sadness you feel
You won't really fall in love for you can't take the chance
So please be honest with yourself, don't try to fake romance
It's the good life to be free and explore the unknown
Like the heartaches when you learn you must face them alone
Please remember I still want you and in case you wonder why
The lyrics of Tony Bennett's "The Good Life" portray the stereotypical notion of a perfect life, one that is full of fun and free from any sadness. However, the song brings to light the irony of such an ideal life. The good life, as portrayed in the song, entails hiding one's true feelings and not taking the risk of falling in love. The line "You won't really fall in love for you can't take the chance" points out the fear of vulnerability and heartbreak that comes with falling in love. The song advises honesty and warns against faking romance.
The good life is also portrayed as a life that is free and boundless. However, in this condition of freedom, one is left to face heartaches and challenges alone. The song acknowledges that the good life is desirable, but also warns that it may not be what one expects. Finally, the lyrics advise to remember that true love remains even when one is trying to live the good life. The closing line "just wake up, kiss the good life goodbye" acknowledges that the good life is unattainable and that love is the only real source of happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the good life, full of fun seems to be the ideal
The concept of living a glamorous and pleasurable life seems to be the epitome of perfection
Mm, the good life lets you hide all the sadness you feel
Living a luxurious lifestyle allows you to conceal any negative emotions that you may be experiencing
You won't really fall in love for you can't take the chance
Avoiding the vulnerability of falling in love as it is viewed as a high risk endeavor
So please be honest with yourself, don't try to fake romance
For the sake of personal well-being, it is important to avoid dishonesty and shallow relationships
It's the good life to be free and explore the unknown
Living a life of luxury allows one to have the freedom and resources to explore new opportunities and experiences
Like the heartaches when you learn you must face them alone
However, there are still difficult moments to face, such as going through emotional pain and dealing with it alone
Please remember I still want you, and in case you wonder why
Just as a reminder, there is still someone who cares for you despite the challenges that life may present
Well, just wake up, kiss the good life goodbye
It is time to let go of the fantasy and live a raw, genuine life
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, PROSADIS, O/B/O DistroKid, Capitol CMG Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jack Reardon, Jean Broussolle, Alexandre Sacha Distel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nicolajayne1594
Rest in peace Tony Bennett. Thank you for making beautiful songs like this ❤
@luismiguelgarronrevaliente51
Such a beautiful song from days gone by❤
@kartosenlitminey
Rip 🩷
@SIRDKA
Amen to that.
@hermes3386
French song in fact...
@holydiver73
RIP Tony. As he kisses the good life goodbye, we will remember him as the last of the great 20th century crooners and a talent that very few that follows will be able to match. ❤
@steverhodesvideos6244
I heard today that he hated being called a crooner. Just sayin'.
@NickPenlee
I don't consider him the last. Jack Jones is still around!
@holydiver73
@@NickPenlee Even Jack Jones wasn’t as good as his dad was.
@karenhagedorn5468
.