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.
wave
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For that’s a lovely way to be
Aware of things your heart alone was meant to see
The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can dream a dream together
You can't deny don't try to fight the rising sea
Don't fight the moon, the stars above and don't fight me
The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can dream a dream together
When I saw you first the time was half past three
When your eyes met mine it was eternity
By now we know the wave is on its way to be
Just catch the wave don't be afraid of loving me
The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can share a dream together
The song "Wave" by Tony Bennett is a beautiful love song that speaks of the power of love in overcoming loneliness. The first verse urges the listener to close their eyes, which is a metaphor for being open to the experience of true love. When we close our eyes, we can see with our hearts and experience a deeper level of emotional connection. It speaks to the heart's ability to see beyond what is visible to the naked eye and embrace the unspoken emotions to form a deeper relationship.
The second verse, "You can't deny don't try to fight the rising sea. Don't fight the moon, the stars above and don't fight me," encourages the listener to surrender to love and not fight against it. The reference to the rising sea, moon, and stars above evokes a sense of nature's vastness, and how love is just as primal and uncontrollable. It suggests that love is a force greater than us, and it is futile to resist it. The line reminds us of the importance of letting go of our ego in surrendering to love.
The song's core message is best captured in the refrain: "The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can dream a dream together." It suggests that true happiness can only be found in sharing our dreams with someone special. The song encourages us to embrace the beauty of love and find someone to share our dreams with.
Line by Line Meaning
So close your eyes
Take a moment to focus and be present in the current moment.
For that’s a lovely way to be
Closing your eyes can be a beautiful and peaceful experience.
Aware of things your heart alone was meant to see
Allow yourself to connect with your emotions and inner being.
The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can dream a dream together
Human connection can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
You can't deny don't try to fight the rising sea
You cannot ignore or resist the natural course of life events.
Don't fight the moon, the stars above and don't fight me
Embrace the beauty and wonder of life and love.
When I saw you first the time was half past three
The moment I met you was a significant and memorable event in my life.
When your eyes met mine it was eternity
Our love and connection transcends time and space.
By now we know the wave is on its way to be
Our love is growing and becoming stronger over time.
Just catch the wave don't be afraid of loving me
Open yourself up to the possibilities and joys of love.
The fundamental loneliness goes whenever two can share a dream together
The power of shared dreams and aspirations can bring people closer together and alleviate feelings of loneliness.
Contributed by Jacob E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Wolfsky9
This is Mr. B. at his finest. and this song is a masterpiece, as only he could do it justice. I own this album, & cherish it. ---------------------Wolfsky9
Jack Rogers
Tony is a craftsman, once in a lifetime singer.
My late Mum's favourite.
We were lucky to be brought up to marvellous music like this, Nat King cole, Ella Fitzgerald and of course Frank Sinatra.
KentuckyJet
Jerry Vale, Como, Dino must not be forgotten too. and then there was Jimmy Roselli!
Justin S.
really enjoying this one, thanks!
Ray Johnson
Top of the game at this point thanks for sharing.
Robyn Conway
Saw Mr Tony Bennett in Brisbane with my Darling BiPolar Bereaved Mum in the late 1980s. Top class entertainment. My Dad had recently died and Tony was his favourite. I think my Mum had a couple of hours release from her grief and what a marvelous night he brought to Brisbane. I spent a couple of weeks wages on our tickets and Mum saw a class act for the first time in her life. Back then it meant something special. Thankyou Mr Bennett.for helping myself and my Mum through our gtief. Bless xxxx
Wolfsky9
This is Mr. B. at his finest. and this song is a masterpiece, as only he could do it justice. I own this album, & cherish it. ---------------------Wolfsky9
Esclarmonde 102
Tony Bennett is the greatest of all the crooners.
Yvonne Stephens
A wonderful song and Tony Bennett with his poignant and lilting voice are a superb combination.
Patty Valinch
Vocal gymnastics! Superb!