Paula came up with today’s theme: "songs from artists who have famous musician parents." I tried very hard to come up with a unique one, and I think I found it.
"You Only Live Twice" was the theme song for the 1967 movie of the same name. It was written by John Barry with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Albert "Cubby" Broccoli, producer of the James Bond movies, had wanted Frank Sinatra to sing it. Frank turned it down, but suggested they have his daughter Nancy sing it instead. John Barry wanted Aretha Franklin to sing it, but was overruled. Nancy’s version reached #3 on the Adult Contemporary chart. #11 in the UK, and #10 in Australia.
You only live twice
Or so it seems
One life for yourself
And one for your dreams
You drift through the years
And life seems tame
‘Til one dream appears
And Love is its name
And love is a stranger
Who’ll beckon you on
Don’t think of the danger
Or the stranger is gone
This dream is for you
So pay the price
Make one dream come true
You only live twice
And love is a stranger
Who’ll beckon you on
Don’t think of the danger
Or the stranger is gone
This dream is for you
So pay the price
Make one dream come true
You only live twice
Source: Genius
And that’s Song Lyric Sunday (and Song of the Day) for November 6, 2022.
The Sound of One Hand Typing 
She nails it and it’s one of my favourite Bobd songs. I’m glad Frank didn’t sing this. I just can’t picture him singing this.
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It needed a woman’s touch, for certain. I think she got this reputation as being eye candy, but she could sing as good as she looked.
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This was really nice John. I did not realize she sang the Bond theme for You Only Live Twice. Her voice as perfect for this music ☺️
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I think Frank was a genius recommending Nancy to do this. I can imagine him singing it, and it just falling flat. When she does it, it’s pure magic…
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Yes. As such as I love Aretha i cannot imagine her singing this song either 😳
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WoW! Lovely, I had no idea Nancy sang this song.
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She had a fantastic voice, as it turns out. She wasn’t just eye candy.
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Such a lovely voice and how can you go wrong with songwriters like that. The Bond franchise always seems to get the right match for the movie.
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I don’t think her father could have done as well as she did on the song. He was absolutely right in passing it up and recommending his daughter. I can’t picture Aretha Franklin singing it, either, and she’s incredible. And you’re right, you don’t get much better than John Barry and Leslie Bricusse when it comes to music themes.
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Nancy had a great career and now she is 82 years and got out of the business in 2013. Thanks for bringing her memories back, John.
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Sure! She gave this song the treatment it deserved.
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Hi John – she does have a lovely voice, and of course being a Bond theme song is well recognised … great choice – thank you – Hilary
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Glad you liked it! This one had everything: the right singer, the right song, and the right songwriters.
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Great song tuneful family 😅
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All three of Sinatra’s kids sang. I think Nancy was the best of them.
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Yes definitely ☺️
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