Rags to Riches
Brubeck / Bennett 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 song "Rags to Riches" is a love song that expresses the deep longing and hope of a lover to be loved in return. The lyrics suggest that love is the key to turning one's life around, from being poor and destitute to becoming rich and successful. The singer pleads with his lover to express her love for him, so he can rise from being a beggar to a millionaire.
The opening lines of the song highlight the important role that love can play in transforming one's life. The singer believes that he can go from rags to riches if only his lover would say that she cares for him. He believes that love is a powerful force that can conquer poverty and make him rich. The next few lines illustrate the contrast between his external appearance and the richness he feels inside. He may be poor, but in his heart, he feels like a king because he has found love. The final lines of the song highlight the choice that the lover must make. Will she express her love for him and change his life forever, or will he continue to be a beggar whose dreams never come true?
Line by Line Meaning
I know I'd go from rags to riches
I strongly feel that if you showed that you care for me, I will make it from a state of being poor to having wealth.
If you would only say you care
Your affection is all I need to turn my life around.
And though my pocket may be empty
Despite my financial limitations, I have a wealth of potential and ambition to be successful.
I'd be a millionaire
Your love and care would make me feel like a success even if I don't have a lot of wealth.
My clothes may still be torn and tattered
Although I may not have much, I still have a sense of pride and the potential to succeed.
But in my heart I'd be a king
I may not have wealth, but I have love and value that makes me feel like royalty.
Your love is all that ever mattered
The love and affection from the person addressed in the song is the only thing that could truly make the singer feel successful.
It's everything
The love and care from the addressee is worth more than anything else in the world.
So open your arms and you'll open the door
If the addressee shows affection and caring, the possibilities and opportunities for success will become easier and more attainable.
To every treasure that I'm hopin' for
With your love, I will be able to obtain everything I hope for.
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine ever more
The touch and affection of the addressee would mean the world to the singer and would assure him/her that he/she is truly cared for.
Must I forever be a beggar
Does the singer have to suffer and be impoverished forever?
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Will the singer's greatest aspirations remain unfulfilled?
Or will I go from rags to riches
Is there a possibility that the singer's situation and fate could change for the better?
My fate is up to you
The addressee holds the key to the singer's success and is instrumental in helping him/her achieve success.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY (US ROSS, RICHARD ADLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind