From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
“For All We Know” is a soft rock song written for the 1970 film Lovers and Other Strangers, with music by Fred Karlin and lyrics by Robb Wilson (Robb Royer) and Arthur James (Jimmy Griffin). Both Royer and Griffin were founding members of the soft-rock group Bread. It was originally performed, for the film’s soundtrack, by Larry Meredith. It is best known for a cover version by American pop duo Carpenters in 1971, which reached No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and No. 1 on the US Billboard Easy Listening chart. The song was also a hit for Shirley Bassey at the same time in the United Kingdom. It has since been covered by a large number of artists.
The song became a Gold record. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1971.
The Carpenters version
“For All We Know” | |
---|---|
Single by Carpenters | |
from the album Carpenters | |
B-side | “Don’t Be Afraid” |
Released | January 15, 1971 |
Format | 7″ single |
Recorded | Late 1970 |
Genre | Soft rock, traditional pop |
Length | 2:33 |
Label | A&M 1243 |
Songwriter(s) | Fred Karlin, Robb Wilson, Arthur James |
Producer(s) | Jack Daugherty |
Carpenters singles chronology | |
“Merry Christmas Darling” (1970)”For All We Know” (1971)”Rainy Days and Mondays” (1971) |
Richard Carpenter of Carpenters heard the song during an evening of relaxation at the movies while on tour. He decided it would be ideal for the duo. It became a hit for them in 1971, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and No. 1 for three weeks on the US easy listening chart.
When the original song was nominated for an Academy Award, the Carpenters were not allowed to perform it at the ceremony as they had not appeared in a film. At their request, the song was performed by British singer Petula Clark. (Clark would later perform the song in concert on February 6, 1983, in tribute to Karen Carpenter, who had died two days before.)
Shirley Bassey version
The song became a hit in the UK for Shirley Bassey in 1971, at the same time as the Carpenters’ version, with the two songs competing for chart strength. Bassey’s version peaked at No. 6 during a 24-week chart run.
Comments