The Holy Trinity – Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach and Hal David – The Vampire's Wife

Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s songs are some of the greatest songs ever produced and Dionne Warwick was the divine cypher that stood there and let the songs roar through her. Her performances of them are extraordinary. I was looking for her amazing TV performance of A House Is Not A Home from 1964 (which is an exercise in almost Zen-like stillness) and stumbled upon her performing Alfie on Dutch TV in 1974 and I was completely floored. I have always adored this song of existential questing with Hal David’s beautiful lines,

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.

This song is forever playing in my home and Dionne Warwick’s TV version, slowed right down here, is some kind of perfection. I have put both songs up, but the version of Alfie is quite simply a religious experience.

I believe in love, indeed!

Susie

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'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.

Music by Burt Bacharach. Lyrics by Hal David

THE CARNIVAL IS OVER

I have just a simple song for you all from 1967, all the way from Australia (where my husband is), by The Seekers. I love this song, melancholy but so stirring, and Judith Durham, dressed in what looks like something from the archives of The Vampire’s Wife, is so touching. It is a song full of tears about the end of things and love’s enduring presence. We adore this song here at The Vampire’s Wife.

TIME AFTER TIME, LITTLE JIMMY SCOTT

Look at this heart-breaking piece of film of Little Jimmy Scott singing Time After Time and giving his thoughts on what a song is meant to be. He is a vast talent and a beautiful man; we met him at my husband’s Meltdown Festival in London in 1999.

TO DIE BY YOUR SIDE

I heard this wonderful version of The Smiths classic song "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" by the brilliantly ebullient Dum Dum Girls on the DJ Lonny’s amazing Cover to Cover on Radio Lewes this week. What a great show! What a superb song! What a joyful cover! ‘To die by your side is pleasure and a privilege’ indeed!