About the song
“All Time High,” performed by Rita Coolidge, stands as a notable entry in the James Bond film franchise, specifically serving as the theme song for the 1983 film “Octopussy.” Crafted by esteemed composer John Barry and lyricist Tim Rice, the song was a departure from the typical Bond theme, eschewing direct references to the film’s title in favor of a more reflective and melodic approach.
The genesis of “All Time High” was marked by Barry’s return to Bond music after a hiatus, choosing Rice as his collaborator due to scheduling conflicts with his preferred lyricist, Don Black. Produced by Phil Ramone and mixed by Stephen Short, the song’s recording process was swift, completed over five days in early 1983. Rice, armed with a script and firsthand studio visits, tailored the lyrics to evoke the film’s essence, including a poignant reference spoken by the character Octopussy herself.
The selection of Rita Coolidge as the vocalist was unexpected yet inspired, driven by the enthusiasm of Barbara Broccoli, assistant director and daughter of Bond producer Cubby Broccoli. Coolidge’s interpretation infused the song with a soulful yet mellow quality, reminiscent of her earlier hits but adapted to suit the Bond franchise’s atmospheric demands.
Upon its release, “All Time High” achieved modest success on the charts, reaching #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the top spot on the Adult Contemporary chart for four weeks. Despite its mixed critical reception, the song found a lasting place in Bond music history, becoming a favored inclusion in Coolidge’s live performances and subsequent anthologies.
Beyond its commercial impact, “All Time High” encapsulates a chapter in Bond music evolution, where lush orchestration and Coolidge’s evocative vocals intertwine to create a timeless ballad. Its legacy endures through occasional covers and references, affirming its status as a distinctive piece within the broader James Bond soundtrack canon.
In conclusion, “All Time High” remains a testament to the enduring allure of Bond themes, showcasing the collaborative prowess of Barry, Rice, and Coolidge in crafting a song that resonates beyond its cinematic origins, offering a dreamy, introspective counterpoint to the iconic action sequences of “Octopussy.”
Video
Lyrics
All I wanted was a sweet distraction for an hour or two
Had no intention to do the things we’ve done
Funny how it always goes with love, when you don’t look, you find
But then we’re two of a kind, we move as one
We’re an all-time high
We’ll change all that’s gone before
Doing so much more than falling in love
On an all-time high
We’ll take on the world and win
So hold on tight, let the flight begin
I don’t want to waste a waking moment, I don’t want to sleep
I’m in so strong and so deep, and so are you
In my time, I’ve said these words before, but now I realize
My heart was telling me lies, for you, they’re true
We’re an all-time high
We’ll change all that’s gone before
Doing so much more than falling in love
On an all-time high
We’ll take on the world and win
So hold on tight, let the flight begin
So hold on tight, let the flight begin
We’re an all-time high