I Don't Stand A Ghost Of A Chance
Nat King Cole 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 Nat King Cole's song "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance" express the desperation and heartbreak of a man who is hopelessly in love with a woman who doesn't reciprocate his feelings. He confesses that he loves her madly and needs her love desperately, but knows that he doesn't stand a chance with her. He had hoped that he had finally found her, but discovered that she is already surrounded by other lovers, leaving him feeling hopeless and alone.


The man expresses a willingness to do anything just to receive a tender kiss or two from the woman in question if it meant that he could prove himself capable of being a worthy lover. However, given the reality of the situation, the man admits that he knows he is likely dreaming to even think that he could ever be with her. The lyrics address the feelings of unrequited love, loneliness, and the longing for acceptance from the person he admires.


Line by Line Meaning

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I crave your affection passionately, desperately yearning for your love


But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
Despite my intense longing, I am certain that I have no possibility of winning your heart


I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed I had found my soulmate in you, yet you are surrounded by other potential romantic interests


And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Therefore, it is clear to me that I have virtually no prospect of being with you


If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
Perhaps, if you were to give in to my advances and share a few gentle kisses, you would realize my genuine love for you


You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
You could uncover that I am the one who is truly meant to be your romantic partner


And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be faithful to you, however, it seems pointless to plan since I have no chance with you


I know I must be dreaming
It must be that I am lost in a fantasy, imagining a life with you that will never come to fruition




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Paul Fogelman

Brilliant But wow this shows the true musical mastery of Helen Forest to be allowed to sing with these legends and how ground breaking for its time

melodyworks

Perfect playing and wonderful singing on the part of Helen Forrest.

sparky

I believe that this is one of the very few recordings in the early 1940s of black musicians performing with a white female vocalist. The only other one that I'm aware of was a recording by Anita O'Day performing with Nat Cole in '44. I never knew this recording existed. Given the era, that it was done at all amazes me. It's great.

David Hess

What a fantastic cover! Lionel Hampton AND Helen Forrest. Love it! Wonder if they did other classic songs together....

Misógina internalizada Opresora héteropatriarcal

I love you, oh, so madly
I need your love so badly,
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
'Cause I don't stand a ghost lf a chance with you

Helen Forrest was hands down better than Billie Holiday

Will7312

Wonderful recording; but it would be great if you could re-download it & include the last 3 seconds of the song, so it ends without cutting the end of the song off.

Julia Pollitt

Superb 💗💗💗❤️❤️

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