They say his chances could not have been better
All the promise of a July sun in the morning sky
Laughing at the peering faces
From the windows of a limousine
Caviar with the A & R and still only in his teens
So whatever happened?
I can see him now, his face lit up in neon
One hand up in the air as he turns towards the crowd
His songs of silver arrows they tried to roll into gold
With diamond tips from painted lips
Designed and ready to be sold
They say he could not fall off
They say he could not fail
The wealth and fame would fire his flame
Just as soon as his ship set sail
So whatever happened?
Whatever happened to Benny Santini?
Whatever happened to the guy on the wall?
Where did he go to if he could not fall off
They tell you they don't know
They don't know at all
Chris Rea - Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? Album Lyrics
Chris Rea - Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? Lyrics
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
The Closer You Get
Street lights start to come on
I know that it's time
Stop what you're doing
Meet those drinking friends of mine
First lady call me on the telephone
She said 'Get out and die young but I'm staying at home'
Now I believe in love, I believe that it's true
Know I'm defenseless when I look into blue
Sleepy eyes down an angel's face
Don't worry baby no one's gonna take your place
The closer you get, the better you look
Throw me a line
'Cos the closer you get, the more that I see
We'll sure have a good time
I know what you're thinking, well how do I feel?
We'll there's no rules in my book
Except the closer you get, the better you look
Keep one foot in the showroom, one out of sight
Girl I've had some close ones but I'm doing all right
Gold on her fingers don't mean a thing
He'll do his best to hear that sweet lady sing
Now I got the time if you got the place
We've got the know how and you got the face
We got the power, we got no shame
Come over baby, I sure do wanna light your flame
'Cos the closer you get, the better you look
Throw me a line
The closer you get, the more that I see
We'll sure have a good time
I know what you're thinking, well how do I feel?
We'll there's no rules in my book
Except the closer you get, the better you look
I know that it's time
Stop what you're doing
Meet those drinking friends of mine
First lady call me on the telephone
She said 'Get out and die young but I'm staying at home'
Now I believe in love, I believe that it's true
Know I'm defenseless when I look into blue
Sleepy eyes down an angel's face
Don't worry baby no one's gonna take your place
The closer you get, the better you look
Throw me a line
'Cos the closer you get, the more that I see
We'll sure have a good time
I know what you're thinking, well how do I feel?
We'll there's no rules in my book
Except the closer you get, the better you look
Keep one foot in the showroom, one out of sight
Girl I've had some close ones but I'm doing all right
Gold on her fingers don't mean a thing
He'll do his best to hear that sweet lady sing
Now I got the time if you got the place
We've got the know how and you got the face
We got the power, we got no shame
Come over baby, I sure do wanna light your flame
'Cos the closer you get, the better you look
Throw me a line
The closer you get, the more that I see
We'll sure have a good time
I know what you're thinking, well how do I feel?
We'll there's no rules in my book
Except the closer you get, the better you look
Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher
Because Of You
I used to hang my head down low
Never knowing which way I was going
My life was getting close to the edge
And I knew that it was showing
Because of you
I can stand and hold my head up high
Because of you
I feel free and yet I don't know why
Each morning is a spring time song
With the sun up in the sky
The sadness that is on your face
Helped me to realise
I owe each day I have to you
And I'll pay you back some day
You're reading me like a book
But I really would like to say
Because of you
I can stand and hold my head up high
Because of you
I feel free and yet I don't know why
Yes I do, it's you
And I'll pay you back some day
Because of you
I have finally found my way
Never knowing which way I was going
My life was getting close to the edge
And I knew that it was showing
Because of you
I can stand and hold my head up high
Because of you
I feel free and yet I don't know why
Each morning is a spring time song
With the sun up in the sky
The sadness that is on your face
Helped me to realise
I owe each day I have to you
And I'll pay you back some day
You're reading me like a book
But I really would like to say
Because of you
I can stand and hold my head up high
Because of you
I feel free and yet I don't know why
Yes I do, it's you
And I'll pay you back some day
Because of you
I have finally found my way
Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher
Dancing With Charlie
Charlie was a loser till that sunny day
No-one saw him leaving as he sailed away
Treated like a sinner, no-one gave a damn
Till Charlie threw two sixes
Now he's got them in his hand
Now they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
No-one seems to know how
No-one seems to care
Doesn't really matter just as long as you are there
Party in the moonlight, free drinks at the bar
You can bet what's in your pocket that Charlie won't be far
Now they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
Charlie bought a jet plane, Charlie rides the sky
Friends appear from nowhere, Charlie gets them high
Big D was a gambler with everything to lose
Charlie didn't have anything
So he didn't have to choose
And they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
And they're standing in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
No-one saw him leaving as he sailed away
Treated like a sinner, no-one gave a damn
Till Charlie threw two sixes
Now he's got them in his hand
Now they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
No-one seems to know how
No-one seems to care
Doesn't really matter just as long as you are there
Party in the moonlight, free drinks at the bar
You can bet what's in your pocket that Charlie won't be far
Now they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
Charlie bought a jet plane, Charlie rides the sky
Friends appear from nowhere, Charlie gets them high
Big D was a gambler with everything to lose
Charlie didn't have anything
So he didn't have to choose
And they're waiting in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
And they're standing in line to go dancing with Charlie
They want to be seen dancing with Charlie
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Bows And Bangles
Born and raised in wilderness
Of suburban shops and schools
How she tried and tried to be satisfied
With a job on the typing pool
She hated the smell of carbon paper
The office so smoky and dry
How she longed for the day she would make her get away
And say her last goodbye
Bows and bangles on her fingers
And silver bells on her toes
That lady has music where she wonders
That lady has music where she goes
Married a guy with prospects
And so became his wife
And that my friend is the end of the story
'Cos that was the rest of his life
She could have been a movie star
She could have made the scene
Right or wrong she still hangs on
Each night to her favourite dream
Bows and bangles on her fingers
And silver bells on her toes
That lady has music where she wonders
That lady has music where she goes
Of suburban shops and schools
How she tried and tried to be satisfied
With a job on the typing pool
She hated the smell of carbon paper
The office so smoky and dry
How she longed for the day she would make her get away
And say her last goodbye
Bows and bangles on her fingers
And silver bells on her toes
That lady has music where she wonders
That lady has music where she goes
Married a guy with prospects
And so became his wife
And that my friend is the end of the story
'Cos that was the rest of his life
She could have been a movie star
She could have made the scene
Right or wrong she still hangs on
Each night to her favourite dream
Bows and bangles on her fingers
And silver bells on her toes
That lady has music where she wonders
That lady has music where she goes
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Fool If You Think It's Over
Dyin' flame, you're free again
Who could love, do that to you
All dressed in black, he won't be comin' back
Look, save your tears
Got years and years
The pains of seventeen's
Unreal they're only dreams
Save your cryin' for the day
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun
Miss Teenage Dream, such a traffic scene
He knocked your crown and ran away
First wound of pride, and how you cried and cried
But save your tears, got years and years
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why...
(Fool if you think it's over)
(Fool if you think it's over)
I'll buy you first good wine
We'll have a real good time
Save your cryin' for the day
That may not come
But anyone who had to pay
Would laugh at you and say
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun
I'll buy you first good wine (Fool if you think it's over)
Ooh, we'll have a real good time
Save your cryin' for the day (Fool if you think it's over)
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun - uuuun
Who could love, do that to you
All dressed in black, he won't be comin' back
Look, save your tears
Got years and years
The pains of seventeen's
Unreal they're only dreams
Save your cryin' for the day
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun
Miss Teenage Dream, such a traffic scene
He knocked your crown and ran away
First wound of pride, and how you cried and cried
But save your tears, got years and years
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why...
(Fool if you think it's over)
(Fool if you think it's over)
I'll buy you first good wine
We'll have a real good time
Save your cryin' for the day
That may not come
But anyone who had to pay
Would laugh at you and say
Fool if you think it's over
'Cause you said goodbye
Fool if you think it's over
I'll tell you why
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun
I'll buy you first good wine (Fool if you think it's over)
Ooh, we'll have a real good time
Save your cryin' for the day (Fool if you think it's over)
New born eyes always cry with pain
At the first look at the mornin' sun
Fool if you think it's over
It's just begun - uuuun
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Three Angels
Nine dollars, two cents
No money, no rent
8759 that's the number
Be on time
Bring something, don't care
Whatever, be there
Good woman, good loving, good feeling
Three angels
Eight castles, wants nine
Unhappy all the time
Gold headlights, can't see
Sure could help him, feel free
Five aces, no calls
Easy action on the walls
One burning, two custom, all waiting
Three angels
Burns, Hofner, white flats
All together feeding back
No mixer, no lights
Good fixer, be all right
Dream wishing, downtown
In the windows, locked sound
One burning, two custom, all waiting
Three angels
No money, no rent
8759 that's the number
Be on time
Bring something, don't care
Whatever, be there
Good woman, good loving, good feeling
Three angels
Eight castles, wants nine
Unhappy all the time
Gold headlights, can't see
Sure could help him, feel free
Five aces, no calls
Easy action on the walls
One burning, two custom, all waiting
Three angels
Burns, Hofner, white flats
All together feeding back
No mixer, no lights
Good fixer, be all right
Dream wishing, downtown
In the windows, locked sound
One burning, two custom, all waiting
Three angels
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Just One Of Those Days
Cold red sunsets that freeze the rainbows out
Standing here in the rain
I've been thinking how, how much happier
I have been since you came
Staring down at the sidewalk shining
Satin winds floating down
Change the crystals on ladies faces
I think I'll stick around
Laden gutters, flowing over
Hit the streets and explode
Young girls laughing and make up streaming
Go running down the road
I've been thinking and too much drinking
And things I just don't dare to say
It's still raining but who's complaining
It's just one of those days
Standing here in the rain
I've been thinking how, how much happier
I have been since you came
Staring down at the sidewalk shining
Satin winds floating down
Change the crystals on ladies faces
I think I'll stick around
Laden gutters, flowing over
Hit the streets and explode
Young girls laughing and make up streaming
Go running down the road
I've been thinking and too much drinking
And things I just don't dare to say
It's still raining but who's complaining
It's just one of those days
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Standing In Your Doorway
There'll be no moon tonight
And the stars won' t light the sky
There are women on the streets
But there's no loving in their eyes
Feeling weary, tired and wishing
I was standing in your doorway now
There'll be dancing flames
Something better cooking slow, perfume heavy
And all the lanterns turned down slow
Oh that lucky, oh that lucky man
Who's standing in your doorway now
I'm a wandering man, you'll never tie me down
Lifelong sailor, but how I wish I was homeward bound
At this moment, tired and wishing
I was standing at your doorway now
And the stars won' t light the sky
There are women on the streets
But there's no loving in their eyes
Feeling weary, tired and wishing
I was standing in your doorway now
There'll be dancing flames
Something better cooking slow, perfume heavy
And all the lanterns turned down slow
Oh that lucky, oh that lucky man
Who's standing in your doorway now
I'm a wandering man, you'll never tie me down
Lifelong sailor, but how I wish I was homeward bound
At this moment, tired and wishing
I was standing at your doorway now
Copyright: Lyrics © Original Writer and Publisher
Fires Of Spring
She's back real late yet she don't seem to care
She hangs around outside in late night air
Burning tears upon a smiling face
And she's caught in the fires of spring
The ice of loneliness you've known so long
For good or not seems to have been and gone
Your Phoenix flies you high on crazy wings
And you're caught in the fires of spring
You've been before but never been so fast
Your only hope is that it's gonna last
You know the pain and yet you love it's sting
And you're caught in the fires of spring
She hangs around outside in late night air
Burning tears upon a smiling face
And she's caught in the fires of spring
The ice of loneliness you've known so long
For good or not seems to have been and gone
Your Phoenix flies you high on crazy wings
And you're caught in the fires of spring
You've been before but never been so fast
Your only hope is that it's gonna last
You know the pain and yet you love it's sting
And you're caught in the fires of spring
Writer: CHRISTOPHER ANTON REA
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Copyright: Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? is the debut album by the British singer-songwriter Chris Rea, released in 1978.
The title of the album is a reference to a name Rea's UK record label (Magnet) had considered christening him with to make him sound more attractive commercially.
The album peaked at number 49 on the Billboard 200, and charted for 12 weeks. It was certified a Gold album by RIAA on October 26, 1978.
The first single lifted from the album, "Fool (If You Think It's Over)", remains his biggest hit in the United States, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, charted for 15 weeks, and reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary Singles chart, and charting for 18 weeks. "Fool" was not a great success on the UK Singles Chart, failing to chart on its first release and only reaching number 30 when re-released later in 1978 to capitalise on its US success.
This success was also helped by being played extensively by Radio Caroline, as it was dedicated to the British Home Office, who were trying to put the station off the air. The following single "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?" peaked at number 71 on the Hot 100 chart, and charted for four weeks.
Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who also produced most of Elton John's albums in the 1970s. Rea was reportedly dissatisfied with the final mix of the album; he later went some way to rectify this to his satisfaction starting with 1988's greatest hits compilation New Light Through Old Windows, where "Fool" was presented in a newly recorded version.
Dudgeon went on to produce Rea's next effort, Deltics.
Performed By:
Chris ReaThe title of the album is a reference to a name Rea's UK record label (Magnet) had considered christening him with to make him sound more attractive commercially.
The album peaked at number 49 on the Billboard 200, and charted for 12 weeks. It was certified a Gold album by RIAA on October 26, 1978.
The first single lifted from the album, "Fool (If You Think It's Over)", remains his biggest hit in the United States, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, charted for 15 weeks, and reaching number one on the Adult Contemporary Singles chart, and charting for 18 weeks. "Fool" was not a great success on the UK Singles Chart, failing to chart on its first release and only reaching number 30 when re-released later in 1978 to capitalise on its US success.
This success was also helped by being played extensively by Radio Caroline, as it was dedicated to the British Home Office, who were trying to put the station off the air. The following single "Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?" peaked at number 71 on the Hot 100 chart, and charted for four weeks.
Whatever Happened to Benny Santini? was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who also produced most of Elton John's albums in the 1970s. Rea was reportedly dissatisfied with the final mix of the album; he later went some way to rectify this to his satisfaction starting with 1988's greatest hits compilation New Light Through Old Windows, where "Fool" was presented in a newly recorded version.
Dudgeon went on to produce Rea's next effort, Deltics.
Genre(s): Rock
Producer(s): Gus Dudgeon
Length: 38:20
Year: 1978