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.
Falling In Love Again
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
Can't help it
Love's always been my game
Play it as I may
I was born that way
Men flock around me
Like moths around a flame
And if their wings burn
I know I'm not to blame
Falling in love again
Never wanted to
What am I to do?
Can't help it
Love's always been my game
Play it as I may
I was born that way
Can't help it
Men flock around me
Like moths around a flame
And if their wings burn
I know I'm not to blame
The lyrics to "Falling in Love Again" by Sammy Davis Jr. reflect the complication of falling in love when you don't want to. The chorus repeats the sentiment of feeling powerless to stop oneself from falling for someone. Davis sings, "Never wanted to, what am I to do? Can't help it," acknowledging that sometimes we can't help who we fall in love with.
The singer also reflects on his past experiences with love, stating that it has always been his game, and that he was "born that way." He compares himself to a "flame," as men "flock around" him like moths. He acknowledges that sometimes these men get burned, but he is not to blame.
Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a sense of resignation and acceptance of falling in love, even when it wasn't the intention. It speaks to the universal experience of love, and the sometimes unpredictable nature of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling in love again
I am in a cycle of constantly falling in love, even though I didn't plan for it.
Never wanted to
It's not that I don't believe in love, but the fact that it keeps happening is out of my control.
What am I to do?
I'm unsure of how to manage my feelings and prevent myself from falling in love again.
Can't help it
No matter how hard I try, I cannot resist the intense emotions of falling in love.
Love's always been my game
My life has been based around the concept of love, and it's something I am very familiar with.
Play it as I may
Despite my experience, I still do not have complete control over love and relationships.
I was born that way
Falling in love is a fundamental part of who I am as a person.
Men flock around me
As a woman, I attract many potential partners who are interested in me.
Like moths around a flame
Just as moths are drawn to a flame, men are drawn to my beauty, charisma, and personality.
And if their wings burn
If someone falls in love with me and ends up getting hurt or heartbroken, it's not my fault.
I know I'm not to blame
I cannot control the emotions of others, nor can I prevent myself from being a source of attraction and affection.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Universal Music Publishing Group, ESTATE OF DOROTHY D LERNER DBA SAMUEL M. LERNER PUBLICATIONS
Written by: JONATHON LESLEY BECKFORD, TERENCE MARK COLDWELL, BRIAN LEE HARVEY, JOHN DARREN HENDY, IVOR PAUL REID, MARK REID
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind