Rags to Riches
Billy Ward And The Dominoes Lyrics
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If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
The lyrics of "Rags To Riches" by Billy Ward paint a picture of a person who is hopeful for their future, but only if they receive the love and care that they desire from a certain someone. The singer pleads for this person to open their arms and let them in, to reveal to them a world of possibilities and great fortune that they can only achieve with the help of the one who holds the key.
The reference to rags and riches in the lyrics symbolizes the drastic change that the singer is hoping for in their life. They are expressing that they feel as though they are starting from nothing, or from "rags", and that with the right person by their side, they could achieve so much more, or become "riches". The lyrics show the vulnerability and dependence on another person for success, that the singer is willing to put themselves at the mercy of another in order to achieve their dreams.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rags To Riches" represent the desperation for connection and love, and the willingness to do anything to achieve it - even if it means being dependent on someone else.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I'd go from rags to riches
I'm confident that my life can turn around and I can become successful
If you would only say you care
All I need is your love and affection to motivate me to succeed
And though my pocket may be empty
Despite my current financial situation, I still have hope for a better future
I'd be a millionaire
With your love, I'll feel rich and fulfilled even without material wealth
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
I may not have the best outward appearance, but my love for you is genuine
But in my heart I'd be a king
My affection for you is what truly matters, and it makes me feel powerful and important
Your love is all that ever mattered
I don't need money or possessions to be happy; your love is the only thing that truly matters
It's everything
Your love is more valuable than any amount of money or material possessions
So open your arms and you'll open the door
If you show me love and acceptance, it will give me the strength and motivation to achieve my goals
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
I have high hopes and aspirations for the future, and your love is the key to unlocking them
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
Your physical affection and reassurance of your love will give me the confidence I need to succeed
Must I forever be a beggar
I'm tired of feeling helpless and poor; I want to become successful and wealthy
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
I have big dreams and ambitions, but I fear they will never come to fruition without your support and love
Or will I go from rags to riches?
I'm optimistic that I can turn my life around and become successful, but only with your help and love
My fate is up to you
Whether I become successful or remain poor is entirely dependent on your love and support
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jerry Ross, Richard Adler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@scouseronthewirral
The Song is Based on a famous Russian tune called โVolga Melodyโ by Yuri Shchetkov.
Written By Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
The First recording and Hit Single Version was Tony Bennett on 17 March 1953, released on 3 August, it peaked at #1 Pop.
Billy Ward & His Dominoes (Jackie Wilson on Lead Vocals) recorded a version on 12 October 1953, it peaked at #3 R&B & #2 Most Played in Jukeboxes Charts.
Jackie Wilson also recorded a Solo version on 8 June 1965, released in September.
The 19th cover came 17 Years after the original and that came from Elvis Presley who recorded his version on 22 September 1970 and was influenced By the 1953 Billy Ward & His Dominoes it Peaked at #45 on pop chart.
@Xian127
know I'd go from rags to riches
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I'd be a millionaire
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart I'd be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It's everything
So open your arms and you'll open the door
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
Must I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true?
Or will I go from rags to riches?
My fate is up to you
@StagPreston
I saw Jackie Wilson live in a small club (Leo's Casino) in about 1965. I sat 5 feet away from him, and he was on a stage that was only about 6 inches off the ground. At one point, he got the women so excited, they jumped up on the little platform and started undressing him -his coat, his tie, etc. Jackie was laughing and everyone was having a great time. Jackie looked straight at me and gave me a smile and a wink as though he was saying, "Don't you Wish You Were Me?", A great entertainer.
@kentaylor7044
wished i'd had the chance to see jackie. the only "live" album that i've heard was "jackie at the copa"and i think his only bad album---but i am of the opinion it was the fault of the editing and production and i think to have seen him live would have been an incredible experience. i envy you. unfortunately i didn't see my first live "rock"performance til '67.
@catherineconnelly9580
Jackie was only 19 when this incredible version was recorded in 1953 - astonishing...
@Irishman10704
Clyde was 18 when he joined and Jackie was 19 when he replaced him. 2 men who started as โbabiesโ In the industry went on to be R&B legends.
@lscarver5
Jackie really sang this one. I could imagine him making the ladies scream at the Apollo theater in Harlem.
@landocalrissian6778
What a wonderful experience sir youโre so lucky
@PRYNCESSJO
Every time he appeared at the Murray the K shows at Brooklyn Fox he tore the house down! And every time we would leave out of there with sore throats! โค๏ธ๐ตโค๏ธ๐ฏ Great incredible memories.
@quickworks9720
@@PRYNCESSJO Oh yeah! The Murray the K shows! Remember you could see them twice? Good times!
@amyharry4337
This turned me to tears, goosepimples all over. Stunning.
@bradly2007
Gorgeous JACKIE WILSON version is a keeper!