Apartment

Album: The Performance (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Performance, Dame Shirley Bassey's first studio album of new songs in two decades, features eleven tracks each written by a different songwriter. This romp about a woman tired of fairy-tale romance was penned by Canadian singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright. "It's a relief, with all the tepid voices we have these days, to not worry if the artist can handle it," Wainwright told The Daily Telegraph October 28, 2009. "With Shirley, you've got to think about finales, climaxes, strong opening lines: there's nothing subtle about the process."
    Producer David Arnold agreed. "She loves the big note," he said. "My job was almost like trying to make the journey interesting."

Comments: 3

  • Robb from California UsaI don’t understand the lyrics. Why is she running away from queer people is she saying she doesn’t want lovers who are queer because that makes more sense.
  • James M Swanson from CoWhat a great pairing. They should do a whole album and, as they both can be, maybe a little naughty in their songs.
  • Windale B. from Hurst, TxThis song has some humor. When you add the Spanish guitar and the strong yet smooth voice of Dame Shirley Bassey and oh my goodness, it is the perfect song for an audition. The song was written by Rufus Wainwright and this song in really swell. I ran away from Cinderella as well!! LOVE IT!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

La La Brooks of The Crystals

La La Brooks of The CrystalsSong Writing

The lead singer on "Da Doo Ron Ron" and "Then He Kissed Me," La La explains how and why Phil Spector replaced The Crystals with Darlene Love on "He's A Rebel."

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Meshell Ndegeocello

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Songs About Movies

Songs About MoviesSong Writing

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones.

Jimmy Webb

Jimmy WebbSongwriter Interviews

Webb talks about his classic songs "By the Time I Get to Phoenix," "Wichita Lineman" and "MacArthur Park."