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.
When I Lost You
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I lost the beautiful rainbow, I lost the morning dew.
I lost the angel who gave me summer, the whole winter too.
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness,
When I lost you.
And I lost the angel who gave me summer, the whole winter too.
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness,
The song "When I Lost You" by Tony Bennett is a heart-wrenching ballad about the despair and sorrow of losing a loved one. The artist describes how he lost everything that was beautiful and joyous in his life – the sunshine, the blue sky, the vibrant colors of a rainbow, and the refreshing morning dew. He specifically mentions losing an angel who had given him joy all year round, during summer and winter. His loss has turned his life upside down, from happiness to sadness. The repetition of losing an angel who gave him summer and the whole winter too emphasizes how this person brought happiness and light into his life no matter the season.
The lyrics of the song provide a deep insight into the pain of loss and how it can devastate a person's life. The artist's use of imagery and metaphors paints a vivid picture of the emptiness and grief he feels. The song is not only about the loss of a romantic partner but can also be interpreted as a tribute to a friend or family member who has passed away. The repetition of losing the angel who gave him summer and winter too portrays the depth of the love and admiration the artist had for this person.
Line by Line Meaning
I lost the sunshine and roses,
I lost the bright and beautiful things that once filled my life
I lost the heavens of blue,
I lost the clear skies and feelings of serenity in my life
I lost the beautiful rainbow,
I lost the symbol of hope and promise in my life
I lost the morning dew.
I lost the refreshing and rejuvenating essence of each new day
I lost the angel who gave me summer,
I lost the person who brought me warmth, joy and light in my life
the whole winter too.
Their influence and support lasted through every season of life
I lost the gladness that turned into sadness,
The happiness and positivity I once felt has turned into sorrow and negativity
When I lost you.
All of this occurred because of the absence of the person I loved and depended on in my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: ROBERT BERKELEY DAVIS, RICHARD FREDERICK STANNARD, JULIAN GALLAGHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind