Lulu – Bringing Fire to James Bond with “The Man with the Golden Gun”
When Lulu was chosen to perform “The Man with the Golden Gun” in 1974, it marked a bold step in her career and a memorable moment in the history of James Bond theme songs. Known for her powerful voice and hits like “To Sir with Love,” Lulu was an unusual yet inspired choice to lend her vocals to the theme of the ninth Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. The song, written by the legendary John Barry with lyrics by Don Black, has become a cult favorite among Bond fans, despite its initial mixed reception.
“The Man with the Golden Gun” is one of the most energetic and brash of the Bond themes, reflecting the eccentricity and danger of the film’s villain, Scaramanga, played by the iconic Christopher Lee. Scaramanga is a mysterious assassin known for using a gun made of solid gold, a trait that’s emphasized in both the song and the movie’s plot. The track’s upbeat tempo, combined with Lulu’s electrifying performance, instantly sets it apart from the more moody and seductive themes that had preceded it, such as Shirley Bassey’s “Goldfinger” or Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die.”
The song opens with a punchy brass section and a fast-paced, almost playful melody, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. Lulu’s voice bursts in with the lyrics, “He has a powerful weapon, he charges a million a shot,” immediately capturing the listener’s attention. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Scaramanga as a deadly yet charismatic figure, and Lulu’s confident, sassy delivery adds an extra layer of attitude to the song. Her voice, known for its boldness, was perfect for this role—it’s as if she’s issuing a warning about the danger of crossing paths with this lethal villain.
Musically, the song is pure 1970s Bond, with John Barry’s unmistakable orchestral flourishes and a driving rhythm that propels the track forward. The brass-heavy arrangement mirrors the intensity of the film’s action sequences, while the strings add a sense of suspense and intrigue. Barry was known for his ability to weave the essence of a Bond movie into his scores, and “The Man with the Golden Gun” is no exception. It has that classic Bond feel: glamorous yet dangerous, thrilling yet sophisticated.
One of the most interesting aspects of this song is how it differs from other Bond themes in tone. While many Bond songs are lush and dramatic, “The Man with the Golden Gun” leans into campy fun, reflecting the somewhat lighter tone of the film itself. Roger Moore, who was then playing Bond, brought a more humorous and lighthearted approach to the character compared to his predecessor, Sean Connery, and the film embraced a more outlandish plot. The song, with its cheeky lyrics and infectious energy, matches that spirit perfectly.
However, despite its brassy swagger and Lulu’s undeniable vocal power, “The Man with the Golden Gun” didn’t receive the same level of acclaim as other Bond themes at the time of its release. Some critics found it to be too over-the-top or lacking the gravitas of earlier Bond themes, which often leaned into more romantic or mysterious territory. In fact, John Barry himself later expressed dissatisfaction with the song, feeling that it didn’t live up to the high standard he had set with his previous Bond work.
But over time, the song has earned its place in the Bond canon as a unique and exciting entry. Fans have come to appreciate its boldness and energy, and Lulu’s performance is often praised for its fearless approach. In the years since, “The Man with the Golden Gun” has developed a cult following, especially among those who appreciate its distinct 1970s flavor and its unapologetic embrace of the Bond film’s playful tone.
For Lulu, this song was another notch in her belt of career highlights. While she was already a household name thanks to her earlier successes, being tapped to sing a James Bond theme was a prestigious gig that further cemented her status as a versatile and dynamic performer. Her ability to shift from soulful ballads to rock-influenced power tracks like “The Man with the Golden Gun” demonstrated her wide-ranging talents.
The song’s legacy has continued in various forms. Like all Bond themes, it’s inextricably linked to the film itself, but it’s also become a standalone piece of pop culture, frequently referenced and included in Bond-related retrospectives. Its combination of brassy bombast and Lulu’s showstopping vocals make it a distinctive chapter in the long-running Bond series.
In conclusion, Lulu’s “The Man with the Golden Gun” may not have been universally loved upon its release, but it has stood the test of time as a lively, bold, and entertaining entry in the James Bond theme song tradition. Its energetic tempo, playful lyrics, and Lulu’s commanding voice perfectly capture the quirky, dangerous world of Scaramanga, making it a memorable and fun ride through the world of 007. Whether you view it as a campy gem or an underappreciated classic, there’s no denying that it’s a song that leaves a lasting impression.