About the song
“Nobody Does It Better” stands as an iconic power ballad and the theme song for the 1977 James Bond film, *The Spy Who Loved Me*. Composed by Marvin Hamlisch with lyrics penned by Carole Bayer Sager, the song was produced by Richard Perry and delivered with captivating allure by Carly Simon. Notably, it diverged from the tradition of Bond theme songs being titled after their respective films, a practice unchanged since *Dr. No* in 1962, yet still incorporated the film’s title within its lyrics.
Upon its release, “Nobody Does It Better” soared to global acclaim, becoming one of the most successful Bond themes in history. In the United States, it reached the second position on the Billboard Hot 100, with its ascent halted only by Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”. It secured the top spot on the Billboard Easy Listening chart for an impressive seven weeks, ultimately claiming the title of the No. 1 Adult Contemporary hit of 1977. The song’s commercial success was underscored by its certification as Gold by the RIAA, signifying over one million copies sold in the US alone. Internationally, it peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and earned a Silver certification from the BPI.
The song’s accolades extended beyond its commercial triumphs. It garnered Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Song in 1978, though it narrowly missed out to “You Light Up My Life”. At the 20th Annual Grammy Awards, “Nobody Does It Better” received nominations for Song of the Year, while Carly Simon was recognized for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female.
Critically revered, the American Film Institute honored “Nobody Does It Better” as the 67th greatest film song as part of their prestigious 100 Years Series in 2004. Rolling Stone placed it third among all James Bond theme songs in 2012, while Billboard ranked it second, underscoring its enduring popularity and cultural impact. In 2021, USA Today crowned it the greatest James Bond Theme Song ever recorded.
Beyond its critical and commercial success, “Nobody Does It Better” has become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its seductive lyrics and Carly Simon’s evocative delivery. It has been covered and performed live by artists spanning diverse genres, including notable renditions by Celine Dion and Radiohead, the latter of whom hailed it as “the sexiest song ever written.”
With its lush orchestration, memorable melody, and Simon’s emotive vocals, “Nobody Does It Better” remains an enduring testament to the artistry of its creators and its enduring legacy within the realm of James Bond music and beyond.
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Lyrics
Nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, you’re the best
I wasn’t lookin’ but somehow you found me
I tried to hide from your love light
But like heaven above me
The spy who loved me
Is keepin’ all my secrets safe tonight
And nobody does it better
Though sometimes I wish someone could
Nobody does it quite the way you do
Why’d you have to be so good?
The way that you hold me
Whenever you hold me
There’s some kind of magic inside you
That keeps me from runnin’
But just keep it comin’
How’d you learn to do the things you do?
And nobody does it better
Makes me feel sad for the rest
Nobody does it half as good as you
Baby, baby
Darlin’, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Sweet baby, you’re the best
Darlin’, you’re the best
Darlin’, you’re the best
Sweet baby, you’re the best
Baby, you’re the best
Sweet baby