Bette Midler

Released: August 1, 1983

Songwriter: Bette Midler Brock Walsh Jerry Blatt

Producer: Chuck Plotkin

I read the paper and I hear the news
I search the heavens vainly for clues
Where has he gone to, and where can he be?
I need someone, we need someone
Come back, Jimmy Dean

Yesterday morning I read in the Times
Things cost a dollar that once cost a dime
And everyone's lonely 'cause everyone's free
I need someone. We need someone
Come back, Jimmy Dean

All our loves are loved and lost
Our hearts all hung with rust
All the golden birds and lads all must
Like chimney sweeps, come to dust

I'll pour a drink; adjust my TV
And stare at the shadows that stare out at me
I have no expectations, oh, but occasionally
I need someone. You were someone
Come back, Jimmy dean
I need someone. You were someone
Please come back, Jimmy Dean

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

No Frills

From the album

No Frills (1983)

Bette Midler popular songs

Come Back, Jimmy DeanBette Midler

Bette Midler

No Frills