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.
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
.