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.
I'm Always Chasing Rainbows
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I'm always chasing rainbows
Watching clouds drifting by
My schemes are just like all my dreams
Ending in the sky
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
I always look and find the rain
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
I never even make a gain
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
"I'm always chasing rainbows" is a poignant and reflective song that delves into the feelings of a person who is constantly chasing after their dreams and goals, but is never able to fully realize them. The lyrics describe the singer's tendency to focus on the negatives in life, always searching for rain instead of sunshine, and always looking up at the sky where their dreams and aspirations lie, never attainable.
The line "My schemes are just like all my dreams/ Ending in the sky" reflects the singer's feeling of futility and hopelessness, as their attempts to achieve their ambitions are constantly thwarted. The mention of a "little bluebird" represents their longing for happiness and fulfillment, but it seems like an impossible goal to attain.
The song has a bittersweet quality to it, as it mingles a sense of yearning with a deep sense of melancholy. The lyrics remind us that no matter how much we want something, if we don't actively work towards it and have realistic goals, we may never achieve it.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm always chasing rainbows
I am constantly searching for something that is unattainable or unrealistic.
Watching clouds drifting by
I am passively observing life go by without actively participating in it.
My schemes are just like all my dreams
My plans and aspirations are as unrealistic and unattainable as my fantasies.
Ending in the sky
My goals are unreachable and always out of reach like the sky.
Some fellows look and find the sunshine
Some people are able to find joy and success in life.
I always look and find the rain
I am always finding negativity and struggle in life.
Some fellows make a winning sometimes
Some people are able to achieve success at times.
I never even make a gain
I am unable to make any progress or achieve success.
Believe me, I'm always chasing rainbows
Trust me, I am always striving for something that is unattainable or unrealistic.
Waiting to find a little bluebird in vain
I am waiting for a sign of hope or happiness, but it always seems to elude me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HARRY CARROLL, JOSEPH JOE MC CARTHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@penel100
These are two consumate artists who work together perfectly. I had forgotten how wonderfully Sammy Davis could deliver a song. Laurindo Almeida I could never forget.
@blacqwolff
sammy has always been one of my favorites when it comes to singing.his voice is like sipping whiskey........smoooooooooooooooth.
@akingaard3535
I have it on cd!! I have to go to my car to find the name i think its from 90's and has various jazz artists but Wow this comment was cool to see haha I'm in love with this song and had to dig a little to find it since Judy garland and randoms s kept popping up when I was searching😆
@EdWaldrup
Have you noticed that some of the most elegant music is with a small simple production. This is a case in point. Beautifully performed. Two other examples are Doris Day and Andre Previn on Duet and Tony Bennett and Bill Evans on Together Again. All are spectacular. Misty is from this Sammy Davis album. These are all must haves.
@BreakCards
This is my favorite version of this music. The first time I heard, the last part made me cry and this version make me think about my life. I think this lyric was written for me. Specially the part of dreams... The first time, I heard this version I have a fight with my parents... Of corse with this version I cry... It's true is no coincidences...
@charlesfultz8735
Elegance and eloquence
@bennyjazzful
WOW Wonderful version by Sammy & Laurindo. Can't get much better than this.
@capatga
Lovely slow version ,Sammy has a way of interpreting song , I Like the way he takes his time on this one
@marymcbride1850
One of my favorite songs. Amazing
@deniseboisvert7771
MAGNIFIQUE CHANSON art très bien interprété.