Lulu Calls Her James Bond Theme “Not a Great Song”: Reflecting on The Man With the Golden Gun’s Legacy

The James Bond franchise, one of Britain’s most iconic cultural exports, is known not only for its espionage thrills but also for its unforgettable theme songs. Over the decades, legendary artists like Wings, Shirley Bassey, and Adele have delivered tracks that have become classics—some even earning Oscars. Yet amid these celebrated hits, there are a few Bond themes that have failed to capture public affection. Lulu, who performed the theme for the 1974 film The Man With the Golden Gun, candidly admits her song might be the franchise’s weakest.

In a recent advertisement for Vauxhall, Lulu reflected on her experience singing the Bond theme, saying, “Except I think mine was probably the worst one ever. Mine was not a great song.” Unlike many other Bond themes that soared on music charts and into popular memory, Lulu’s track failed to chart and remains one of the most forgettable entries in the Bond theme canon.

Lulu’s rise to fame began in the 1960s with her hit cover of “Shout,” which cemented her as a pop sensation. However, by the mid-1970s, public interest seemed to wane, and her Bond song’s reception reflected that shift. Part of the backlash stemmed from the lyrics, penned by Don Black, which some critics found overly suggestive. Lines like “His eye may be on you or me / Who will he bang? / We shall see, oh yeah!” were viewed as risqué innuendos that didn’t resonate well with all listeners.

Interestingly, Lulu wasn’t the producers’ first choice to perform the theme—Elton John was also considered. Yet the decision fell to Lulu, who had enjoyed significant success, including the best-selling single in America in 1967. Despite this pedigree, the song simply failed to make the impact expected.

Lulu also took aim at another Bond theme, Madonna’s “Die Another Day” from 2002, labeling it “pretty bad” in the same interview. “Me and Madonna. That’s the only time Madonna and I could be together on anything,” she joked. While Madonna’s track enjoyed greater commercial success—reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100—it remains among the less beloved Bond themes.

The Bond franchise’s legacy of memorable music is complex, mixing timeless classics with a handful of less successful efforts. Lulu’s frank admission about The Man With the Golden Gun offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of joining such an illustrious tradition—and reminds fans that even iconic series have their missteps.