Bassey had started living as a tax exile in 1968, and was not permitted to work in Britain for two years.

[4][5] In 1968 Bassey performed at the Sanremo Music Festival in Italy singing the song "La vita"[6][better source needed].

For the song Bassey sang at the festival, the lyrics were partially rewritten in English by Norman Newell.

While in exile Bassey recorded several songs that were exclusively released in Italy and also performed frequently on Italian television.

In the next step in the evolution of "La vita," Newell wrote English lyrics for the remaining Italian parts and the result was "This Is My Life."