It Could Happen to You
Doris Day / Les Brown Lyrics
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Lock your dreams at night,
It could happen to you.
Don't count stars
Or you might stumble,
Someone drops a sigh
And down you tumble,
Keep an eye on spring,
It could happen to you
All I did was wonder
How your arms would be
And it happened to me
At first glance, the lyrics to Doris Day/Les Brown's "It Could Happen to You" may come across as a simple love song. However, upon closer inspection, the lyrics tell a story of caution and warning. The singer advises the listener to hide their heart from sight and lock their dreams at night, implying that being vulnerable in love can lead to heartbreak. The line "Don't count stars or you might stumble" suggests that becoming too enchanted with romantic fantasies can blind someone to the harsh realities of love.
The cautionary tone of the song continues with the warning that a single sigh from someone can cause a person to tumble down into heartbreak. This line suggests that putting too much weight into the words or actions of others can be dangerous. The final lines of the first verse offer advice on how to avoid such pitfalls. The listener is told to keep an eye on spring, a symbol of new beginnings, and to run when church bells ring, perhaps implying that love is best pursued when it coincides with a sense of fresh start or spiritual clarity.
Overall, "It Could Happen to You" serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of love while also offering hopeful advice for those seeking it.
Line by Line Meaning
Hide your heart from sight,
Keep your heart guarded and protected from potential romantic partners.
Lock your dreams at night,
Keep your dreams to yourself and don't share them with others.
It could happen to you.
Despite your efforts to avoid it, falling in love or achieving your dreams could still happen to you.
Don't count stars
Don't get caught up in daydreaming or wishful thinking.
Or you might stumble,
If you become too lost in your dreams, you may neglect other aspects of your life and struggle to succeed.
Someone drops a sigh
A small, seemingly insignificant occurrence or gesture could trigger a larger chain of events in your life.
And down you tumble,
You could unexpectedly fall into a difficult or challenging situation.
Keep an eye on spring,
Be aware of the opportunities and changes that come with the changing seasons and times of year.
Run when church bells ring.
Be proactive and take action when you see or hear signs of change or opportunity.
It could happen to you
Again emphasizing that despite one's efforts and precautions, life can still bring unexpected opportunities, challenges, or experiences.
All I did was wonder
Highlighting that sometimes just a single thought or moment of curiosity can lead to big changes or events in one's life.
How your arms would be
Reflecting on a potential romantic partner or relationship and what it would be like.
And it happened to me
Expressing surprise or awe that what was once just a thought or daydream has now become a reality.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES VAN HEUSEN, JOHNNY BURKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike DeVita
She was the highest paid band singer in the business, after Sinatra!
j beane
Hi Mike. Great version. Love it when she sings "someone drops a sigh and down you tumble". Hope this a great year for her and can't wait for Carmel thanks for posting. Jill
Mike DeVita
you are right, and right at the peak of her career as a band singer.
VICTOR BALIT
I'm glad she went solo. Even the best band singers were underpaid!
Mike DeVita
correct, Mag...NO ONE can top a song sung by Doris...and I mean NO ONE
VICTOR BALIT
Doris' last song recorded as part of the Les Brown Orchestra.
꧁Natus Iterum꧂
down you tumble..run when church bell ring...it could happen to you...and it happened to me.........The greatest words ever.
MagiMysteryTour
Doris Day compared to Jo Stafford is kind of like fresh apple juice compared to flat apple cider.
td1238
Doris Day and Jo Stafford had two wonderful, completely different sounds that really can't be compared, and it different songs suited each one differently.