Bacharach Sings "Alfie"

This feels like the right song for the moment, on so many levels. Burt Bacharach and Hal David were probably the greatest songwriting team of the era that followed the Golden Age of standards. Dionne Warwick was known as the primary interpreter of their songs, but I am often partial to hearing the great songs sung by the composers themselves, who maybe don't have those American Idol pop star vocal chops but have a lot of feeling and love for the song in question. As for "Alfie," the bridge is classic Bacharach, with its suspended quality and bold deviation from the main theme. Which makes it so very powerful when the verse that follows it opens: "I believe in love, Alfie." My favorite moment of the song. And for the record, I do, too.

Alfie

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 is 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