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.
Chico & The Man
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Man He Ain't So Hard To Undestand.
Chico, If You Try Now,
I Know That You Can Lend A Helping Hand
Because There′s Good In Everyone
And A New Day Has Begun
You Can See The Morning Sun If You Try
And I Know, Things Will Be Better
Oh Yes They Will For The Chico And The Man
Yes They Will For The Chico And The Man.
In this song, Sammy Davis Jr. addresses Chico who seems discouraged. The Man, who appears to be a challenge to understand, can be reached out to, and asked for help. Sammy Davis Jr. encourages Chico to try and lend a helping hand, believing that there’s good in everyone. The singer draws attention to the fact that a new day has just begun, one that is full of possibilities if Chico can only try. The outlook for the Chico and the Man appears to be very good, and Davis believes things will get better, for both of them.
The lyrics of this song suggest that even in difficult times there is always hope if one keeps trying. Sammy Davis Jr. carries the message of a brighter future that is within reach if we put in the effort. He inspires listeners to be optimistic, encourage and support each other, and to keep striving for the best.
Line by Line Meaning
Chico, Don′t Be Discouraged,
Chico, don't feel disheartened,
The Man He Ain't So Hard To Undestand.
even though 'the man' seems tough to comprehend,
Chico, If You Try Now,
Chico, if you put in some effort,
I Know That You Can Lend A Helping Hand
I believe you can offer some assistance
Because There′s Good In Everyone
Every person has redeeming qualities
And A New Day Has Begun
Today is a fresh start
You Can See The Morning Sun If You Try
If you make an effort, you can appreciate the beauty of the morning sun
And I Know, Things Will Be Better
And I'm confident that things will improve
Oh Yes They Will For The Chico And The Man
Yes, the futures of both Chico and the man will be bright
Yes They Will For The Chico And The Man.
That's a certainty for Chico and the man.
Writer(s): Jose Feliciano
Contributed by Arianna J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
voicegirl555
One of the best TV themes sung by a terrific singer! Happy Happy 95th Birthday Sammy Davis Jr.! You are so very missed!!!
Monica Merlini
Me encanta este tema, me recuerda mi adolescencia❤🌷👍
Magic Psych
Sammy Davis Jr. was pure talent. The Best. Spectacular!
Will Mack
Sensational! This theme song makes me so sad and yet has a positive message at the same time. I was 10 when Freddie died so tragically. This show was on from 1974-78, my Dad loved this show and would often say "Looking good!". My father passed in 1978, so that's another reason this song is so bittersweet to me. Thanks for this Desmond!
macfione
Much love from Argentina brother, peace
Paul Stope
Sorry. Live happy. Please.
Ro Su
Great version. He's magical
Raul Garro
Una de las mejores voces de todos los tiempos, gracias por este regalo no me canso de escucharlo. ❤
Robert Santana
Sammy Davis jr. and Jose Feliciano both did a great job on this..love it!!
Dennis Dazur
Música que me transporta a mi niñez