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 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 "The Second Time Around" by Tony Bennett is a message about the power and wonder of love, especially its remarkable ability to grow and evolve when given a second chance. The opening line of the song "Love is lovelier the second time around" sets a tone of optimism and hope, emphasizing the fact that love can bring happiness and joy even after experiencing the ups and downs of life. The line, "Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground," suggests that the experiences of life, including heartaches and disappointments, can actually ground and strengthen love, making it even more beautiful and meaningful.
The lyric "It's that second time you hear your love song sung," highlights the power of memory, and how often moments that trigger memories of a past love can lead to a renewed appreciation or even a new chapter for that love. Additionally, when the artist sings, "Love's more comfortable the second time you fall," he is conveying that there is a sense of familiarity and ease in a love that comes around again. Even though the couple may have gone separate ways and started new relationships or experienced hardships, the reunion affords them opportunities to fall in love again, this time enjoying the comfort of familiarity and the benefits of experience.
The song ends with the powerful lines, "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." These lines acknowledge that the path to love is often surprising, unpredictable and sometimes miraculous. The song celebrates the discovery of love that has been given another chance and portrays the message that love can be more optimistic, meaningful, and comfortable on the second try.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is lovelier the second time around
Experiencing love a second time around is even more beautiful and precious than the first time.
Just as wonderful with both feet on the ground
Although the initial rush and excitement of love might be gone, love can still be just as wonderful and fulfilling when approached with practicality and stability.
It's that second time you hear your love song sung
When you hear a love song again, after experiencing love with someone new, it makes you realize the depth and value of your current love.
Makes you think perhaps that love, like youth, is wasted on the young
The first time we experience love as youth, we may not fully appreciate or understand its beauty and potential. It is only when we experience love a second time around that we truly realize its value.
Love's more comfortable the second time you fall
After experiencing heartbreak or failure in love, we are better equipped to navigate and appreciate love the second time around. It becomes more comfortable and familiar.
Like a friendly home the second time you call
Returning to love with someone familiar and comfortable is like returning to a friendly, welcoming home. It feels safe and secure.
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
It can be hard to explain how two people found each other and fell in love, but it is nothing short of a miracle.
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Many believe that true love only happens once in a lifetime, but that is not always the case.
I'm oh, so glad we met the second time around
The artist is grateful for experiencing love a second time around with their current partner.
Who can say what brought us to this miracle we've found?
It can be hard to explain how two people found each other and fell in love, but it is nothing short of a miracle.
There are those who'll bet love comes but once, and yet
Many believe that true love only happens once in a lifetime, but that is not always the case.
I'm oh, so glad we met the second time around
The artist is grateful for experiencing love a second time around with their current partner.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jimmy Van Heusen, Sammy Cahn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Gerald Pollak
I'm 57 and sing professionally, mostly blues and rock. The older I get, the more I appreciate the masters like Tony Bennett. I wouldn't pretend for a minute to be able to sing that way, or that well. But I now "get" him, as I do Sinatra, and Nat King Cole. And I'm learning an incredible amount, helped by clips like these. Thank you so much.
47barolo
Damn, the way Tony holds those notes... nothing like this today. And the orchestration... ultimate beauty in music.
Joan Lister
Nobody can sing a love song like Tony. That voice is so sincere!
Soledad Lorenzo Alonso
Una voz de oro Tony bennett
Paulo Roberto Machado
Sabe o que é cantar excelentemente, Tony Bennett consegue superar ainda mais!
KentuckyJet
The greatest version ever.
47barolo
This song keeps sounding better every time I hear it.
Rosemary Kelly
I' m 60, my love is 62, and we're smitten. I never thought I' d fall in love at this age. I' m a grandma! Love never dies.
Lagos, Stammvater der Ptolemäer
Me
Michael Chapman
I'm a Senior in the same age neighborhood but, Life time introvert which has long made it kinda difficult per meeting women, 'however still hopeful to find a gal to share much with incl. beautiful romantic music like this of which I have thousands of recordings of such Music- most on my computer now, thanks for sharing, Rosemary...