I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance
Etta James 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

The lyrics to Etta James's song "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance" convey a deep longing for someone's love, while simultaneously acknowledging that the chances of reciprocation are slim to none. The singer is desperately in love with someone, expressing their need for that person's love and confessing their intense feelings. However, they understand that there are numerous other lovers in the picture and that their chances of being chosen are almost nonexistent.

The lyrics suggest that the singer thought they had finally found the person they were searching for, but the presence of other romantic interests makes them realize that they don't have a fighting chance. The line "And 'I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!'" emphasizes the singer's awareness of their own insignificance in the eyes of the desired person.

Despite this realization, the singer still yearns for the person's affection. They fantasize about the possibility of the desired person giving in to a few tender kisses, hoping that it might make them see that the singer is the right lover for them. However, the singer acknowledges that their hopes may be nothing more than a dream.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance" convey a bittersweet sentiment of unrequited love, where the singer is deeply affectionate but understands the futility of their situation.

Line by Line Meaning

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I am desperate for your love, I love you passionately

But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
Unfortunately, I have no possibility of being with you

I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I thought I finally discovered you, but you are surrounded by other lovers

And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Therefore, I have no chance of being with you

If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you would just give in and share a few gentle kisses

You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
You may realize that I am the one destined to love you

And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
And I would be faithful, but what's the point of plotting or planning

I know I must be dreaming
I am aware that I must be dreaming

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, 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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