Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, is an Ame… Read Full Bio ↴Anthony Dominick Benedetto, known professionally as Tony Bennett, is an American singer of traditional pop standards, big band, show tunes and jazz. He is also a painter, having created works under his birth name that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.

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 Lights Are Low
Tony Bennett Lyrics

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Listen to the melody entrancing
Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
Swaying to a fascinating strain

Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello

When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow
Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low

Listen how happy hearts are beating
Like the ocean beats upon the sand
And our feet in rhythm keep repeating
Ev'ry little movement of the band

Sweet music soft and mellow
Soothing and slow
Strains of a mellow 'cello
When lights are low
Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Why think about the weather
When lights are low
Two hearts revealing
Music hath charms
Life's so appealing
With inspiration, in your arms
Our lips meeting soft and tender
Love's all aglow

Why shouldn't we surrender
When lights are low

Overall Meaning

The Tony Bennett song "When Lights Are Low" is a romantic melody about two people dancing and falling in love during a slow and soothing musical performance. The lyrics describe the joy and enchantment that comes from hearing the melody of the band's soft and mellow 'cello as the two dancers sway and move in rhythm. The music creates an atmosphere of connection and intimacy, allowing them to express their feelings of love for each other without reservation.

The lyrics emphasize the idea that the music has the power to bring two people closer in a way that words cannot, and the couple feels free to surrender to their feelings and lose themselves in each other's arms. The recurring phrase "when lights are low" is a metaphor for the emotional state of the two lovers, who are drawn together by the magical spell of the music, and are not concerned with anything else around them. They are so close that they are almost inseparable and are overwhelmed by the beauty and enchantment of the moment.

Overall, "When Lights Are Low" is a timeless love song that captures the joy and magic of falling in love. The lyrics describe the power of music to bring two people closer and create an emotional bond that is both romantic and unforgettable.

Line by Line Meaning

Listen to the melody entrancing
Let yourself be enraptured by the beautiful melody

Blending in a soft and sweet refrain
Mixing together in a gentle and lovely way

As around the floor, dear, we are dancing
As we dance around the room, my love

Swaying to a fascinating strain
Moving along to a captivating tune

Sweet music soft and mellow
Gentle and soothing music

Soothing and slow
Calming and unhurried

Strains of a mellow 'cello
Sounds of a smooth and melodious cello

When lights are low
In the dim light

Dear, we're so close together I love you so
Darling, we are so near to each other and I love you deeply

Why think about the weather
Why worry about something we cannot control

Two hearts revealing
Our hearts exposing our love