Bette Midler

Released: January 8, 1976

Songwriter: Mark “Moogy” Klingman

Producer: Mark “Moogy” Klingman

Oh, to have you walking so near
You're an angel, my dear
And you ease my mind
I'll not kiss or hold you, my dear
Would you let me just follow behind

Now, I have loved me many fine men
Oh, so many fine men
Had a bed to share
I would trade these lovers gladly, my friend
For a glimpse of you standing there

How will I know when I reach heaven's door?
In your eyes I've seen it before

If I never, never, never, never see you again
Though the path it may bend
And be filled with strife;
Though the years may come and go without end
I will think of you all of my life

How will I know when I reach heaven's door?
In your eyes I've seen heaven before

Oh, to have you walking so near
You're an angel, my dear
And you ease my mind
I'll not kiss and hold you, my dear
Would you let me just follow behind?

Hmm, hmmmm. Mm hmmm, mm hmmm
Would you let me just follow behind?

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

Songs for the New Depression

From the album

Songs for the New Depression (1976)

Bette Midler popular songs

Let Me Just Follow BehindBette Midler

Bette Midler

Songs for the New Depression