Widely recognised for its striking opening bars, featuring a simple 2-bar theme in the high octaves of the violins and lush harmonies from French horns, it is considered by some among the best Bond film songs.

In 1998, Robbie Williams re-recorded portions of the song (including the opening strings) for use in his UK number-one single "Millennium".

An initial version of the song was performed by Julie Rogers and recorded with a 50 or 60 piece orchestra at CTS Studios.

Barry wanted to use Aretha Franklin, but the producers insisted that he use Nancy instead, who was enjoying great popularity in the wake of her single, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'".

[3] The final version (2:44) featured in the film's opening title sequence and on the soundtrack LP is in the key of B and has a single vocal track.

An electronically processed stereo mix (made from a mono source) was eventually released on the circa 1968 Japanese compilation LP Golden Nancy Sinatra, which was reissued on CD and digitally in 2018.

Mark Monahan of The Daily Telegraph described the lyrics as "mysterious, romantically carpe diem ... at once velvety, brittle and quite bewitching".

[8] David Ehrlich of Rolling Stone ranked "You Only Live Twice" the third best James Bond theme song, calling it "a classic.