Alfie

Burt Bacharach

About Alfie

"Alfie" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David to promote the 1966 film Alfie. The song was a major hit for Cilla Black (UK) and Dionne Warwick (US).


Year:
1987
3:07
3,831 
#2

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What's it all about, Alfie
Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie

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Burt Bacharach

Burt F. Bacharach ( /ˈbækəræk/ BAK-ə-rak; born May 12, 1928) is an American pianist, composer and music producer. He is known for his popular hit songs and compositions from the mid-1950s through the 1980s, with lyrics written by Hal David, as part of the duo Bacharach and David. Many of their hits were produced specifically for, and performed by, Dionne Warwick. Following on with the initial success of this collaboration, Bacharach went on to produce hits with Dusty Springfield, Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon and others. more »

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Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Alfie" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, originally set to feature in the 1966 film of the same name.
Cilla Black's Version
British singer and actress Cilla Black was the first artist to record the song. Though it wasn't initially a hit in the UK, it became famously associated with her.
Dionne Warwick's Version
Dionne Warwick, a frequent collaborator with Bacharach and David, recorded one of the most well-known versions of "Alfie" a year after Black. Her version reached No. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lyric Theme
The song's lyrics are presented as a conversation with Alfie, inquiring about his understanding of love and challenging his detached approach to relationships.
Academy Awards
The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 39th Academy Awards, further emphasizing the beauty and impact of its composition.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Alfie" throughout the years, including Cher, Barbra Streisand, and even international singers such as Vanessa Paradis, proving its universal appeal.
Other Awards
While it did not win the Academy Award, "Alfie" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 and also ranked No. 79 in AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs survey of the top tunes in American cinema.
Performance Anecdote
An interesting fact is that Bacharach insisted on 31 separate takes when Black was recording the song, showing his dedication to getting the song just perfect.
Billboard History
In 1967, Dionne Warwick's version of "Alfie" peaked at No. 5 on the Adult Contemporary chart, further marking the song's impact on the Billboard charts.
Musical Structure and Style
The song is known for its complex key changes and distinctive Bacharach melody, which includes his trademark major seventh and minor ninth chords. It's a prime example of his songwriting style and musical arrangement skills.

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