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.
Don't Get Around Much Anymore
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heard they crowded the floor
Couldn't bear it without you
Don't get around much anymore
Though I'd visit the club
Got as far as the door
They'd have asked me about you
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
Been invited on dates
Might have gone but what for?
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
Don't get around much anymore
The song Don't Get Around Much Anymore by Sammy Davis Jr is a classic ballad that is a commentary on a person's decision to refrain from participating in enjoyable social activities due to the absence of a significant other. The lyrics speak about missing the Saturday dance and not being able to bear it without the person he loves. The singer mentions that he had originally planned to visit the club but changed his mind because he knew that everyone would ask about his missing partner. The second verse touches on the singer's decision to stay home instead of going out on dates. He acknowledges that without his significant other, his experiences wouldn't be the same, and thus, he doesn't see the point in making the effort to go out.
Overall, the song speaks to the difficulties of moving on after a breakup, and the struggle to find enjoyment in life without one's significant other. The lyrics suggest that even a simple activity such as going out to a club can be challenging without someone special to share the experience with. The song's message is one of longing and sadness, but it also highlights the power of human connection and the impact that another person can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Missed the Saturday dance
I did not attend the Saturday dance.
Heard they crowded the floor
I was told that the dance was crowded.
Couldn't bear it without you
I did not want to attend without you because I cannot stand being there alone.
Don't get around much anymore
I do not go out as often as I used to.
Though I'd visit the club
I had plans to visit the club.
Got as far as the door
I only made it to the entrance of the club.
They'd have asked me about you
I knew people would ask me about you if I went in.
Don't get around much anymore
I do not go out as often as I used to.
Darling, I guess my mind's more at ease
My mind is more relaxed and at peace.
But nevertheless why stir up memories?
Even though I feel at ease, I do not want to reminisce.
Been invited on dates
I have received invitations to go out.
Might have gone but what for?
I considered going out, but I do not see the point.
Awf'lly diff'rent without you
It is completely different without you there.
Don't get around much anymore
I do not go out as often as I used to.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Duke Ellington, Bob Russell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelholmes5034
A thousand or more. Probably millions have performed this Melody. At any given time.
Sammy Davis Junior bought & paid for it. This is proof to me. His Reciept. Class & Debonaire. With grace. Ain't dead. Only napping. Till we meet again.
Ladies?
@1232supeMAN
love this dude rip sammy
@leesmith3346
The Guv'nor.
@cyncopashn
Terrific!! thanks--
@k4623586
One or a kind
@brianb7686
By far the hardest working and most all-around talented member of the Rat Pack, hands down.
@lennymolotov3137
actually perhaps the most talented member of the human race.
@vinylrules4838
Who is the trumpet soloist?
@SelectCircle
I'm thinking it's Sy Oliver - but not sure.