I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You
Count Basie Lyrics


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I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming




Overall Meaning

Count Basie's song "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance With You" is a love ballad sung by Basie himself. The lyrics describe a man's desperate love for a woman who is not interested in him. The song begins with the poignant lines, "I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly, but I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you." The singer is expressing his feelings of betrayal to himself, acknowledging that he passionately wants the woman he loves, but that he knows that she does not return the same feelings.


Throughout the song, there are references made to this woman's other lovers who surround her. Despite this obstacle, the singer still feels he has a chance with her as he suggests, "If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two, you might discover that I'm the lover meant for you." However, he's aware that his thoughts may be nothing more than daydreams, "but what's the good of scheming, I know I must be dreaming."


The song's melody matches the lyrics' melancholic tone, with Basie's voice crooning over the soft, mournful notes. The lyrics and the music combine to create a beautifully poignant love song, capturing the agony of unrequited love.


Line by Line Meaning

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I crave your affection and desire you deeply.


But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
However, I am aware that I have no chance of being with you.


I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed that finally, I had found you, but you are surrounded by other admirers.


And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Therefore, I am aware that I have no chance with you.


If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you were to succumb to my advances and share a few gentle kisses with me,


You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
you may come to realize that I am the one you were destined to be with.


And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be faithful to you, but there is no point in making plans that will never come to fruition.


I know I must be dreaming
I understand that my desire to be with you is unrealistic and cannot come true.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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