Davis, Jr. was born in Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, to Elvera Sanchez, a dancer, and Sammy Davis, Sr., an African-American entertainer. The couple were both dancers in vaudeville. As an infant, he was raised by his paternal grandmother. When he was three years old, his parents split up. His father, not wanting to lose custody of his son, took him on tour. Sammy Davis Jr. claimed that his mother was Puerto Rican, however the 2003 biography In Black and White alleges that he made this claim due to the political sensitivities of the 1960s (during the Cuban Missile Crisis), and that his mother was born in New York of Cuban descent rather than in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
As a child he learned how to dance from his father, Sammy Davis, Sr., and his "uncle" Will Mastin, who led the dance troupe his father worked for. Davis joined the act as a young child in 1928 and they became the Will Mastin Trio. Throughout his long career, Davis included the Will Mastin Trio in his billing.
Mastin and his father had shielded him from racism. Snubs were explained as jealousy. But during World War II, Davis served in the United States Army, where he was first confronted by strong racial prejudice. As he said later, "Overnight the world looked different. It wasn't one color anymore. I could see the protection I'd gotten all my life from my father and Will. I appreciated their loving hope that I'd never need to know about prejudice and hate, but they were wrong. It was as if I'd walked through a swinging door for eighteen years, a door which they had always secretly held open.
Because of You
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because of you my romance had its start
Because of you the sun will shine
The moon and stars will say you're mine
Forever and never to part
I only live for your love and your kiss
And it's really paradise to be near you like this
And I can smile
Because of you
I only live for your love and your kiss
And it's really paradise to be near you like this
Well, because of you my life is now worthwhile
And I can smile
Because of you
You know actors have always wanted to be singers
And singers have always wanted to be actors
I think we have the answer here
Because of you there's a song, there's a song in my heart
Because of you, you dirty rat my romance, my romance had it's start
Yes, it did
Ah gee whiz, because of you the sun will shine
And the moon and the stars and the house and the car will be mine
Forever and never ever to part
Judy, Judy, Judy, I only live for your love and your gears
Do you understand that and it's absolutely positively paradise to be with you like this
'Cause I dig you the most, yes I do
You're nothing but a little doll that's what you are
Well, because of you my life is not worth wile
Yeah, I can smile just because of you
Now, I want you mugs to listen to me, understand
Baby, I only live for your love and your understand and your kiss
No body, but no body can tell you what to do
Well, I'm gonna tell you because I'm little Caesar
And besides that, it's absolutely positively paradise to be with you like this
This is me, because of you my life is now worth while and I can smile
Smile?
Smile?
Ah, gee whiz, you guys don't have to get so excited
After all I'm only trying to sing and
You don't have to get excited either, Jer
Now just take it easy and kind of relax your-
Neverminded any words from you Jolly, you think you're the orange juice stand
I'll do the singing, alright fellas, from the top
I can smile, just because of you
I like it
The song "Because of You" by Sammy Davis Jr. is a heartfelt love song that expresses how meaningful the person he's singing to is to him. The first two lines illustrate the impact this person has on his life – they bring joy to his heart and sparked the beginning of a romance. The next lines convey the extent to which his love for this person has taken over his life. He lives for their love, their kiss, and nothing else even comes close to making him feel as whole as they do. The chorus repeats this sentiment, further emphasizing how important this person is to him.
The last verse of the song seems to deviate from the original love song theme to a more comical interlude, as Sammy Davis Jr. muses on how both actors and singers have aspirations in each other's fields. He finishes by returning to his love song lyrics, with a passionate declaration of his devotion to his special person. The song overall might seem simple, but it expresses a powerful love where nothing else matters except the object of affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Because of you there's a song in my heart
Your presence has brought happiness and joy to my life, filling it with a song that rings within my heart.
Because of you my romance had its start
You were the beginning, the origin of my love story, and because of you, it began.
Because of you the sun will shine
Simply being in your presence brings light to my life, brightening even the darkest of days.
The moon and stars will say you're mine
The entire universe seems to align when we're together. Even the stars seem to flock around us and celebrate our love.
Forever and never to part
I never want to leave your side. Our love will last an eternity, never to part.
I only live for your love and your kiss
My entire world revolves around you. Your love and affection intoxicate me more than anything.
And it's really paradise to be near you like this
Being near you feels like paradise. It's a place that makes everything seem beautiful and serene.
Well, because of you my life is now worthwhile
You have given my life meaning and purpose. I feel fulfilled and content simply because of you.
And I can smile
You bring so much joy to my life that I can't help but smile when I think of you.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Arthur Hammerstein, Dudley Wilkinson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Hanzon
It seems almost unbelievable that such a range of talents could be possessed by one person - Sammy Davis Jnr. This video shows only some. Thanks for sharing. Many memories.
Mauricio Durón
The closing track from his breakout debut album in 1954, 'Starring Sammy Davis Jr.'
Inimitable and, along with 'Hey There', not-to-be-forgotten classic. THANK YOU.
Paul Martin
sammy davis pure vocals from a very talented singer he was missed by us all r.i.p from a listener in suffolk uk
lala
wonderful wonderful really sammy rip
John Benn
WOW WOW WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
From a mad keen 74yo Aussie fan.
benbo250
"THIS IS ME!" 4:33
Donny Posey
I'm guessing that was Nat King Cole but it really reminded me of Johnny Mathis at the beginning.
josh they goat
bobby vinton did good aswell