I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
Laurindo Almeida; Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I'm always chasing rainbows
Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
The lyrics of "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" by Sammy Davis Jr. express a feeling of endless pursuit and a lack of fulfillment. The singer is constantly chasing after rainbows, hoping to find a little bluebird, but ultimately finds nothing. The symbolism of rainbows and bluebirds, which represent hope and happiness, enhance the sense of unattained dreams and desires. The singer compares themselves to others who are able to find sunshine and occasionally win at life, whereas they remain stuck in their pursuit of something unattainable. The repetition of the chorus highlights the futility of the singer's endeavors and their inability to break from the cycle of chasing rainbows.
The song was originally featured in the Broadway show The Ziegfeld Girl in 1917 and has since been covered by numerous artists. Sammy Davis Jr.'s rendition was released in 1961 and became a popular hit. The melancholic tone of the song resonated with listeners, and it has been included in several movies and television shows. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable message and the emotional depth brought out by Davis's performance.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm always chasing rainbows
I'm constantly reaching for something that is unattainable.
Watching clouds drifting by
I'm often lost in thought, daydreaming and not focusing on reality.
My schemes are just like all my dreams
My plans are unrealistic and unlikely to come to fruition, much like my dreamed-up ideals.
Ending in the sky
My aspirations always fall short, as they are out of reach and unattainable, much like the clouds in the sky.
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
Some people are able to find happiness and contentment, even in difficult situations.
I always look and find the rain
I tend to focus on the negative aspects of situations, and cannot find joy even in good circumstances.
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
Occasionally, some people are successful or achieve their goals.
I never even make a gain
I am never able to make progress or achieve my goals, despite my efforts and attempts.
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
I am always seeking something that is impossible, and cannot find true happiness or contentment.
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I am hoping to find something that simply does not exist and cannot be found, no matter how hard I try.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HARRY CARROLL, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@blacqwolff
sammy has always been one of my favorites when it comes to singing.his voice is like sipping whiskey........smoooooooooooooooth.
@akingaard3535
I have it on cd!! I have to go to my car to find the name i think its from 90's and has various jazz artists but Wow this comment was cool to see haha I'm in love with this song and had to dig a little to find it since Judy garland and randoms s kept popping up when I was searching😆
@penel100
These are two consumate artists who work together perfectly. I had forgotten how wonderfully Sammy Davis could deliver a song. Laurindo Almeida I could never forget.
@bennyjazzful
WOW Wonderful version by Sammy & Laurindo. Can't get much better than this.
@BreakCards
This is my favorite version of this music. The first time I heard, the last part made me cry and this version make me think about my life. I think this lyric was written for me. Specially the part of dreams... The first time, I heard this version I have a fight with my parents... Of corse with this version I cry... It's true is no coincidences...
@EdWaldrup
Have you noticed that some of the most elegant music is with a small simple production. This is a case in point. Beautifully performed. Two other examples are Doris Day and Andre Previn on Duet and Tony Bennett and Bill Evans on Together Again. All are spectacular. Misty is from this Sammy Davis album. These are all must haves.
@deniseboisvert7771
MAGNIFIQUE CHANSON art très bien interprété.
@marymcbride1850
One of my favorite songs. Amazing
@melissascollard9721
Sublime and perfect!
@SeltzerGal
Thank you so much for uploading this song. I have listened to it many times and I continue to be moved by its simplicity and beauty. @ChristopherPhilippe is so right..."it is a whispered secret".