Until the Real Thing Comes Along
Frank Sinatra with Quincy Jones and Orchestra Lyrics


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Don't you know I'd work for you, I'd slave for you
Be a beggar or a knave for you
If that isn't love it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along
Gladly move the earth for you
Prove my love dear, and it's worth for you
If that isn't love it'll have to do
Until the real thing comes along
With all the words dear at my command
I just can't make you understand
I'll always love you baby - come what may
My heart is yours, what more can I say
I would cry for you, even sigh for you
Tear those stars down from the sky for you
If that isn't love it'll have to do
Until the real thing comes along
Walk on burning coals for you
I would drive the Chrysler,leave the Rolls for you
If that ain't love it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along
I would try to hit high "see" for you
I'd even punch out Mr. T for you
If that ain't love it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along
There's not a thing that you can't ask of me
Go on, demand any task of me
If you want the moon or a lavaliere
All you got to do is nibble on my ear
I would rob, steal, beg, borrow, and lie for you
Lay my little body down and die for you
(If that ain't love, if that isn't love)




If that ain't love it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Frank Sinatra's Until The Real Thing Comes Along speak of an unwavering commitment to someone, even if it means sacrificing a lot or putting up with less than perfect love. The singer is willing to be a beggar or a knave, move the earth, and even cry or sigh for this person. They are willing to do anything, including rob, steal, beg, borrow, or lie to prove their love. In short, the singer believes that they are offering love that is close to the real thing, even if it falls short. They are waiting for the real thing to come along, but until then, they are all in.


The narrative presents love as a series of challenges that one overcomes for the beloved. Love is presented as something that is tested, but the singer is confident in their ability to endure all of these tests for the person they love. The chorus of the song, "If that isn't love it'll have to do, until the real thing comes along" drives the message home.


Overall, the song is an ode to true love, and it offers a glimpse into the lengths someone will go to for the one they love.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't you know I'd work for you, I'd slave for you
I am willing to put in all my effort for you


Be a beggar or a knave for you
I am willing to do anything for you even if it makes me lose my morals


If that isn't love it will have to do
Even if it's not truly love, I will still do these things for you


Gladly move the earth for you
I am willing to go to great lengths for you


Prove my love dear, and it's worth for you
I want to show you how much you mean to me and that my love is of great value


With all the words dear at my command
I have a lot of words at my disposal to help you understand my love


I just can't make you understand
Despite trying, I cannot make you see how much I love you


I'll always love you baby - come what may
No matter what happens, my love for you will remain


My heart is yours, what more can I say
I have already given you my heart and my love, what else can I tell you?


I would cry for you, even sigh for you
I am willing to do anything to express how much I love and care about you


Tear those stars down from the sky for you
I am willing to do the impossible, to go beyond my limits for you


Walk on burning coals for you
I am willing to undergo great pain and suffering for you


I would drive the Chrysler,leave the Rolls for you
I am willing to give up luxury to be with you


I would try to hit high 'see' for you
I am willing to do things that I am not good at for you


I'd even punch out Mr. T for you
I am willing to fight anyone or anything for you


There's not a thing that you can't ask of me
I am ready to do anything you ask of me, no matter how difficult or impossible it may seem


Go on, demand any task of me
You can ask anything of me, and I will try my best to deliver


If you want the moon or a lavaliere
You can ask for anything, whether it's impossible or expensive, and I will try to get it for you


All you got to do is nibble on my ear
All it takes is a sign of affection from you, and I will do anything for you


I would rob, steal, beg, borrow, and lie for you
I am willing to breach all lines of ethics and morals for you


Lay my little body down and die for you
I am willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to express my love for you


(If that ain't love, if that isn't love)
This is my way of expressing my love, if it's not considered love then what else is?


If that ain't love it will have to do
If my actions are not considered love, then I will still continue doing them to show my affection towards you




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, IMAGEM U.S. LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEO SAYER, TOM SNOW

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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