Bette Midler

Released: November 22, 1988

Songwriter: Cole Porter

Producer: Arif Mardin

I'm always a flop at a top-notch affair
But I've still got my health, so what do I care?
My best ring, alas, is a glass solitaire
But I still got my health, so what do I care?

By fashion and foppery, I'm never discussed
Attending the opry, my box would be a bust
I never shall have that Park Avenue aire
But I'm in such health, why should I care?

The hip that I shake doesn't make people stare
But I got such health, what do I care?
The sight of my props never stops a thoroughfare
But I still got my health, so what do I care?

Your face is your fortune, so some wise men spoke
My face is my fortune, that's why I'm totally broke
My ship ain't come in, but I grin while I bear
'cause I got my vitamins:
A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H
I still have my
Got no diamonds, got no wealth
I got no men, but I got my health

Bette Midler is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, comedienne and actress. Named in honor of Bette Davis, Midler’s career began performing off-broadway until she developed the stage persona The Divine Miss M while singing at the world-famous Continental Baths gay bathhouse. A pre-fame Barry Manilow, the venue’s in-house piano player, produced her Grammy-nominated debut album which scored three US top 40 singles including the Grammy-nominated “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”. Midler took home the Best New Artist Grammy that year, her first of three career wins.

Throughout the 1970s, Midler found further success with music, Broadway, television and film. The Rose, Midler’s 1979 acting debut, earned her both Oscar and Academy Award nominations, and its namesake song won her a Golden Globe and another Grammy – also giving Midler her first success overseas.

The early 1980s proved less successful for Midler with four under-performing singles and a box office flop with the film Jinxed. However, the second half of the decade would prove far more fruitful with a handful of very successful films including Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Outrageous Fortune and Beaches, the latter featuring a chart-topping cover of “Wind Beneath My Wings” that won Midler her third Grammy and is considered one of the greatest songs in American film history.

more tracks from the album

Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)

From the albums

Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording) (1988)
Jackpot! The Best Bette (2008)

Bette Midler popular songs

I’ve Still Got My HealthBette Midler

Bette Midler

Beaches (Original Soundtrack Recording)