Something to Live For
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra; Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics
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Cars and houses, bear-skin rugs to lie before my fire
But there's something missing,
Something isn't there,
It seems I'm never kissing the one whom I care for.
I want Something To Live For
Someone to make my life an adventurous dream
Oh, what wouldn't I give for
And make it seem gay as they say it ought to be.
Why can't I have love like that brought to me?
My eye is watching the noon crowds
Searching the promenades seeking a clue
To the one who will someday be my
Something To Live For.
I want Something To Live For
Someone to make my life an adventurous dream
Oh, what wouln't I give for
Someone who'd take my life
And make it seem gay as they say it ought to be.
Why can't I have love like that brought to me?
My eye is watching the noon crowds
Searching the promenades seeking a clue
To the one who will someday be my Something To Live For.
The lyrics of "Something to Live For" express a realization that despite having all material possessions, there is still something missing in life. The singer talks about having everything from cars to bear-skin rugs, but the absence of a special someone in their life makes them feel unfulfilled. The desire for someone who would love them and make their life an adventurous dream is palpable. They yearn for a love that will make life seem gay as they say it ought to be. They watch the noon crowds, searching the promenades for a clue to the one who will someday be their "something to live for."
The song speaks to the universal desire for love and companionship, regardless of status or possessions. It highlights the importance of having someone special to share life with, who can make it more meaningful and fulfilling. The lyrics are simple yet poignant and express the longing for love in a relatable manner that strikes a chord with everyone who has hoped for something more.
Line by Line Meaning
I have almost ev'ry thing a human could desire,
Despite having material possessions such as cars and houses, there is still something missing in my life.
Cars and houses, bear-skin rugs to lie before my fire
My material possessions have become mundane and fail to bring me true happiness.
But there's something missing,
There is an absence in my life that cannot be filled with material objects.
Something isn't there,
I am lacking a certain element in my life that I cannot seem to find.
It seems I'm never kissing the one whom I care for.
Despite caring deeply for someone, I am unable to be physically close with them.
I want Something To Live For
I am searching for a purpose or meaning in my life.
Someone to make my life an adventurous dream
I desire someone to share my life with and create exciting memories together.
Oh, what wouldn't I give for
I am willing to sacrifice anything to attain what I desire.
Someone who'd take my life
I long for someone who will join me on life's journey and share both the joys and struggles.
And make it seem gay as they say it ought to be.
I want to experience the joy and happiness that comes with a fulfilling relationship.
Why can't I have love like that brought to me?
I am questioning why I have not yet found the love and companionship that I am searching for.
My eye is watching the noon crowds
I am actively searching for my ideal partner among the people around me.
Searching the promenades seeking a clue
I am exploring various places in hopes of finding a sign or indication of my perfect match.
To the one who will someday be my Something To Live For.
I am hopeful that one day I will find the person who will bring true meaning and happiness to my life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir One Music, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BILLY STRAYHORN, DUKE ELLINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Louis Philippe
Ella Fitzgerald was definitely God's gift to the world
Rock Wild
Never has there been a better voice than Lady Ella!
Larry Ward
I love Dizzy G watching her, completely enthralled. Marvelous. Love Ella, Amazing Song, and then Duke. Sublime!
Bill Brown
The ultimate song!!! Hands down. The Singer, The Mood, Color, Arrangement, Lyrics, Note Fluctuation, Emotional Sense stress on lyric, The legendary Ella, caressing the lyrics!!!!!!!!!!!!
MyzteriousLadyX
This is as close to perfection as it gets! Ella, Strayhorn and Ellington. This song is the beginning, the middle and the end!!! It is a singers song beautifully done by a singers singer. The best!!
laurie winestock
Listening to ELLA SING ALWAYS GIVES ME SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lulu zulu
Heaven on earth ,Ella you gave this world something it will never forget !
claudiorochadasneves
What a interpretation!!! Simply perfect!!
Gareth Cook
What a joy to hear this again!
patrick ryan
Lena Horne, a close friend of Billy Strayhorn, does a nice job on "Something To Live For" on the CD, "Lena Horne (We'll Be Together Again)". And Ella, as I'm just now discovering, also does this song a whole lot of justice. 11/2018