We Have All the Time in the World
Encyclopedia
"We Have All the Time in the World" is a James Bond
theme and popular song
sung by Louis Armstrong
. Its music was composed by John Barry
and the lyrics by Hal David
. It is a secondary musical theme in 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service
, the title theme being the instrumental "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," also composed by Barry. The song title, "We Have All the Time in the World", is taken from James Bond's final words in both the novel and the film, spoken after his wife's death. Louis Armstrong
was too ill to play his trumpet. Barry chose Armstrong because he felt he could "deliver the title line with irony."
The song was not registered in the music rating charts in the UK when first released, only becoming well known 25 years later, as part of a Guinness
beer commercial after My Bloody Valentine chose to cover it for charity. Armstrong's version was then re-released and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart
. In 2005, a BBC survey showed it is the third-most-popular love song played at wedding
s.
In addition to My Bloody Valentine, "We Have All the Time in the World" has been covered by Iggy Pop
, Fun Lovin' Criminals
, Vic Damone
, Michael Ball
, Amalia Grè, The Puppini Sisters
, The Fairly Handsome Band, and Tindersticks
. Iggy Pop's version of it plays during the end credits of the film The Jacket
.
When asked for his favourite Bond composition, John Barry cited this song and "Goldfinger
". "Goldfinger" because it perfected the "Bond Sound" and this because it was the finest piece of music he had written for a Bond movie and because of the pleasure of working with Louis Armstrong.
James Bond
James Bond, code name 007, is a fictional character created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming, who featured him in twelve novels and two short story collections. There have been a six other authors who wrote authorised Bond novels or novelizations after Fleming's death in 1964: Kingsley Amis,...
theme and popular song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
sung by Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
. Its music was composed by John Barry
John Barry (composer)
John Barry Prendergast, OBE was an English conductor and composer of film music. He is best known for composing the soundtracks for 12 of the James Bond films between 1962 and 1987...
and the lyrics by Hal David
Hal David
Harold Lane "Hal" David is an American lyricist. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. David is best known for his collaborations with composer Burt Bacharach.-Career:...
. It is a secondary musical theme in 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service
On Her Majesty's Secret Service (film)
On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the sixth spy film in the James Bond series, based on the 1963 novel of the same name by Ian Fleming. Following the decision of Sean Connery to retire from the role after You Only Live Twice, Eon Productions selected an unknown actor and model, George Lazenby...
, the title theme being the instrumental "On Her Majesty's Secret Service," also composed by Barry. The song title, "We Have All the Time in the World", is taken from James Bond's final words in both the novel and the film, spoken after his wife's death. Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong , nicknamed Satchmo or Pops, was an American jazz trumpeter and singer from New Orleans, Louisiana....
was too ill to play his trumpet. Barry chose Armstrong because he felt he could "deliver the title line with irony."
The song was not registered in the music rating charts in the UK when first released, only becoming well known 25 years later, as part of a Guinness
Guinness
Guinness is a popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James's Gate, Dublin. Guinness is directly descended from the porter style that originated in London in the early 18th century and is one of the most successful beer brands worldwide, brewed in almost...
beer commercial after My Bloody Valentine chose to cover it for charity. Armstrong's version was then re-released and reached number 3 in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
. In 2005, a BBC survey showed it is the third-most-popular love song played at wedding
Wedding
A wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage or a similar institution. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes...
s.
In addition to My Bloody Valentine, "We Have All the Time in the World" has been covered by Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop
Iggy Pop is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and actor. Though considered an innovator of punk rock, Pop's music has encompassed a number of styles over the years, including pop, metal, jazz and blues...
, Fun Lovin' Criminals
Fun Lovin' Criminals
The Fun Lovin' Criminals is an American alternative hip hop / alternative rock group from New York City. Their musical style is primarily eclectic, covering styles such as hip hop, rock, funk, blues and jazz. Their songs often deal with life in New York City, as well as urban life in general...
, Vic Damone
Vic Damone
Vic Damone is an American singer and entertainer.- Early life :Damone was born Vito Rocco Farinola in Brooklyn, New York to French-Italian immigrants based in Bari, Italy—Rocco and Mamie Farinola. His father was an electrician; and his mother taught piano. His cousin was the actress and singer...
, Michael Ball
Michael Ball (singer)
Michael Ashley Ball, born 27 June 1962) is a British actor, singer, and radio and TV presenter who is best known for the song "Love Changes Everything" and musical theatre roles such as Marius in Les Misérables, Alex in Aspects of Love, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Edna Turnblad...
, Amalia Grè, The Puppini Sisters
The Puppini Sisters
The Puppini Sisters are a vocal trio. Arion Berger described them as part of "Retro's futuristic vanguard" and described their sound as "swing-punk". The group has sought to be associated with a burlesque revival....
, The Fairly Handsome Band, and Tindersticks
Tindersticks
Tindersticks are an Indie rock band from Nottingham, England formed in 1991. They released six albums before singer Stuart A. Staples took on a solo career. The band reunited briefly in 2006, but more permanently the following year...
. Iggy Pop's version of it plays during the end credits of the film The Jacket
The Jacket
The Jacket is a 2005 psychological thriller film directed by John Maybury that is partly based on the Jack London novel of the same name, released in the US as The Star Rover. Massy Tadjedin wrote the screenplay based on a story by Tom Bleecker and Marc Rocco...
.
When asked for his favourite Bond composition, John Barry cited this song and "Goldfinger
Goldfinger (song)
"Goldfinger" was the title song from the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. Composed by John Barry and with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, the song was performed by Shirley Bassey for the film's opening and closing title sequences, as well as the soundtrack album release...
". "Goldfinger" because it perfected the "Bond Sound" and this because it was the finest piece of music he had written for a Bond movie and because of the pleasure of working with Louis Armstrong.