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 Gonna Live Till I Die
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry
I'm gonna take the town and turn it upside down
I'm gonna live, live, live till I die
They're gonna say "What a guy!"
I'm gonna play for the sky
Ain't gonna miss a thing I'm gonna have my flingI'm gonna live, live, live till I die
The blues 'll lay low I'll make 'em stay low
They'll never trail over my head
I'll be a devil till I'm an angel,
But until then, Hallelujah! Gonna dance, gonna fly
I'll take a chance ridin' high
Before my number's up I'm gonna fill my cup
I'm gonna live, live, live, live, live until I die
I'm gonna live till I die,
I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry
I'm gonna take the town and turn it upside down
I'm gonna live, live, live till I die
They're gonna say "What a guy!"
I'm gonna play for the sky
Ain't gonna miss a thing I'm gonna have my fling
I'm gonna live, live, live till I die
The blues 'll lay low I'll make 'em stay low
They'll never trail over my head
I'll be a devil till I'm an angel,
But until then, Hallelujah! Gonna dance, gonna fly
I'll take a chance ridin' high
Before my number's up I'm gonna fill my cup
I'm gonna live, live, live, live, live until I die
The lyrics to Sammy Davis Jr.'s song "I'm Gonna Live Till I Die" convey a strong sense of optimism and determination. From the very opening line, the singer declares that he will not be defeated by life's hardships; he will live until the very end. He refuses to give in to sorrow or despair, choosing to "laugh 'stead of cry." The lyrics suggest that the singer intends to make the most of his time on earth, taking the town "and turning it upside down" in the process. He wants to be remembered as a "guy" who lived life to the fullest, playing "for the sky." Nothing will be missed; the singer intends to "have [his] fling" before his time is up. The song suggests that the blues might try to bring him down, but the singer is determined to keep them at bay. He will "be a devil till [he's] an angel," but in the meantime, he wants to dance, fly, and take chances. He intends to "fill [his] cup" with all that life has to offer.
"I'm Gonna Live Till I Die" is a song that celebrates life and urges listeners to make the most of their time on earth. The lyrics suggest that we should all live each day as if it were our last, with joy, optimism, and a sense of adventure. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy melody reinforce this message, encouraging listeners to embrace life with enthusiasm.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm gonna live till I die,
I plan to live my life to the fullest until my body ceases to function.
I'm gonna laugh 'stead of cry
Instead of being sad, I will choose to see the humor in things and laugh more often.
I'm gonna take the town and turn it upside down
I will go out and explore new places, meet new people, and leave a lasting impression on them.
I'm gonna live, live, live till I die
My life's purpose is to live every moment to the fullest without any regret.
They're gonna say "What a guy!"
People will admire me for my charming personality, sense of humor, and zest for life.
I'm gonna play for the sky
I will aim high and strive to achieve great things in life.
Ain't gonna miss a thing I'm gonna have my fling
I don't want to miss out on any opportunity, and I will enjoy life in every way possible.
The blues 'll lay low I'll make 'em stay low
No matter what hardships I face in life, I will remain strong and not let them take over my emotions.
They'll never trail over my head
I will not allow my problems to overshadow my life and dictate my decisions.
I'll be a devil till I'm an angel,
I will live life to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity until my time comes.
But until then, Hallelujah! Gonna dance, gonna fly
Until my last breath, I will enjoy my life to the fullest, dancing, and experiencing new things.
I'll take a chance ridin' high
I am willing to take risks and try new things, even if success is not guaranteed.
Before my number's up I'm gonna fill my cup
I will make the most of every moment in life and seize every opportunity to create cherished memories.
I'm gonna live, live, live, live, live until I die
I will make every moment count and refuse to let my passion for life fade until my final breath.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, GANNON & KENT MUSIC CO
Written by: Mann Curtis, Al Hoffman, Walter Kent
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@voicegirl555
I raise a glass to you today Sam on the 30th Anniversary of your passing! You were the greatest entertainer who ever walked this planet! You could do it all!! Sing! Dance! Act! And do the badest impressions I have ever heard! You are so missed!!!!
@shawnpatton4878
I just love Sammy's version of this song because it reminds me of Sinatra and that whole Jazz Era and fun times in Vegas! Grown folk fun for a time that is gone now. But Sammy and everyone from that period have left us some jewels for our appetite. You and your love to entertain the audience will be sorely missed Sammy.
@syneathiabell1350
Sammy at his Best!!!💖
@stevendouglas3860
Beautifully sang
@davecalero1184
Wow, a picture
@CM-xs2eb
One of my favorites
@tokijapjaptoki1152
Wow ! great song. Great singer !
@is0lated
Words to live by.
@syneathiabell1350
Wow....love it!
@thomascorder6686
''Dig this, you groovy cats! I am doing some hard time down here in purgatory. Dig this: The devil looks just like Kim Novak! I'm staying here''!