She was a dancer at the Folies Bergere in Las Vegas. and met Andy Williams when he pulled over to aid her on a desert road. They married on Christmas Day 1961 and had three children, Noelle, Christian and Robert. In 1968, she appeared in "The Party" with Peter Sellers and sang "Nothing to Lose" by Henry Mancini. Longet recorded a series of five MOR albums for A&M Records between 1966 and 1970 and two albums for Williams's Barnaby label in 1971 and 1972. She also made frequent acting appearances in television series and appeared from time to time on Williams' variety series and specials. Williams called Longet a beautiful, sleek brunette with large doe eyes, "my favorite French singer". She and Williams separated in 1969 but did not divorce until 6 years later.
Longet has never performed again after the criminal trial, and the Sabich family initiated civil proceedings to sue Longet. The case was eventually settled out of court for a large monetary settlement, with the proviso that Longet never tell or write about her story. They also demanded that Claudine withdraw from public circulation her recording of "Bang Bang, My Baby Shot Me Down."
Nothing to Lose
Claudine Longet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If we are wise
We're not expecting rainbow-colored skies
Not right away
Nothing to lose
It might be fun
No talk of spending lifetimes in the sun
Both you and I have seen what time can do
We'll only hurt ourselves if we build dreams that don't come true
What can we lose
We know the score
Let's wait before we talk of evermore
One day we may
Nothing to lose
But much to gain if love decides to stay
Nothing to lose
In "Nothing to Lose," Claudine Longet sings about taking a realistic approach to love and relationships, rather than getting caught up in grandiose ideals that may ultimately lead to disappointment. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with Longet suggesting that those who are wise don't expect an instant happy ending to their romance. She goes on to ponder the idea of enjoying a relationship without making grand plans for the future, as both partners have likely been through enough to know that grand dreams don't always come true. Longet instead suggests that they simply enjoy the present, without any expectations or pressure.
The chorus repeats the song's central message – "nothing to lose" – as Longet suggests that this lighthearted approach to love might actually be more rewarding in the end. By keeping their expectations in check, the lovers can enjoy their time together without worrying about what will happen next. This sentiment is further reinforced in the final verse, where Longet suggests that any talk of long-term commitment is premature. By waiting to discuss the future until they're both ready, the couple can simply enjoy the present moment.
Overall, "Nothing to Lose" is a song about approaching love and relationships with an open mind and a realistic attitude. Rather than building castles in the sky, Longet suggests that focusing on the present and enjoying each other's company is the key to a satisfying romance.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing to lose
We have nothing at stake or nothing to lose.
If we are wise
If we're smart, we would not expect immediate success.
We're not expecting rainbow-colored skies
We don't expect everything to be perfect or rosy immediately.
Not right away
At present, we do not expect things to be perfect at once.
Nothing to lose
We have nothing at stake or nothing to lose.
It might be fun
It could be exciting if we let go of expectations.
No talk of spending lifetimes in the sun
Let us not speak of having a perfect future.
Although we may
Even though we may indulge in imagining a wonderful future.
Both you and I have seen what time can do
We both understand the realities of life and the setbacks it can bring.
We'll only hurt ourselves if we build dreams that don't come true
Having high hopes of a perfect future can cause pain and disappointment.
What can we lose
We have nothing to lose, so why not take a chance on love?
We know the score
We understand the situation and its potential outcomes.
Let's wait before we talk of evermore
Let's not commit to anything quickly or speak of forever.
One day we may
Perhaps, in the future, we may be more certain about our future.
Nothing to lose
We have nothing at stake or nothing to lose.
But much to gain if love decides to stay
We stand to gain much if love decides to stay and develop between us.
Writer(s): Donald Black, Henry Nicola Mancini
Contributed by Zachary H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@denisecastello
Nothing to lose
If we are wise
We're not expecting rainbow-colored skies
Not right away
Nothing to lose
It might be fun
No talk of spending lifetimes in the sun
Although we may
Both you and I have seen what time can do
We'll only hurt ourselves if we build dreams that don't come true
What can we lose
We know the score
Let's wait before we talk of evermore
One day we may
Nothing to lose
But much to gain if love decides to stay
Nothing to lose
@JuanSheput
Lyrics:
Nothing to lose
If we are wise
We're not expecting rainbow-colored skies
Not right away
Nothing to lose
It might be fun
No talk of spending lifetimes in the sun
Although we may
Both you and I have seen what time can do
We'll only hurt ourselves if we build dreams that don't come true
What can we lose
We know the score
Let's wait before we talk of evermore
One day we may
Nothing to lose
But much to gain if love decides to stay
[repeat the last three sections]
Nothing to lose
@yaminoonna3218
I am 20 years old.. I barely watch comedies. But this movie really made me laugh deeply. Love it
@unknown_norie
Watch Flight of the phoenix 1965
@cloudsmiles1
Movies like this will maybe ever be produced again. A lost era of fantastic cinema.
@michaelswestun6076
Claudine Longet had a silky smooth voice and a childlike innocence about her.. she and Peter Sellers were superb in the film The Party .. a definite watch if you haven’t seen it already
@dawnzilla
This is one of the funniest movies ever made!
@ArtfulTwist
Absolutely!!!
@user-gz2fe6ox8h
ha ha ha ha , Brilliant Peter Sellers! One of the best comedy films, for me the best. When I need to pee and nowhere to go, I remember this scene and music, and voila, the urge is under control!
@hot5pur11
Claudine Longet has such a dreamy voice........
@Teltharion
I remember being a kid and i was hipnotized by this moment and fell in love with her, nothing else mattered...
@deso224
In my opinion best comedy ever, Peter Selers best comedian in history!!!!!! I am smiling even now.