
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 Can't Get Started
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
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I've settled revolutions in Spain
And the North Pole I have charted
Still I can't get started with you
On the golf course, I'm under par
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I've got a house, a showplace
'Cause you're so supreme
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
Dream day and night of you
And I scheme just for the sight of you
Baby, what good does it do?
I've been consulted by Franklin D
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
Still I'm broken-hearted
'Cause I can't get started with you
The lyrics of Sammy Davis Jr.'s "I Can't Get Started" speak of a man who has done extraordinary things; he has traveled the world, settled revolutions in Spain and charted the North Pole, he is a talented golfer and an actor who was asked to star by Metro Goldwyn, and he has attained great success in his personal life, with a showplace home. But despite all his achievements, there is one thing he cannot seem to do – get started with the person he desires. This desire dominates his thoughts day and night, and he even dreams and writes lyrics about this person, yet he still cannot seem to win them over.
The singer in the song is expressing a sense of frustration, realizing that no matter what he achieves in life, his love life remains unfulfilled. He is bewildered and saddened that despite all he has done, he still cannot get started with this person. He has consulted presidents and has had tea with famous celebrities, but this person remains the one thing that eludes him. The lyrics illustrate that love can be the one obstacle that can seem insurmountable even to the most accomplished individuals.
Line by Line Meaning
I've flown around the world in a plane
I have travelled around the world in an airplane, exploring different places.
I've settled revolutions in Spain
I have contributed to solve or put an end to political uprisings in Spain.
And the North Pole I have charted
I have navigated and mapped out the North Pole.
Still I can't get started with you
Despite all my accomplishments and experiences, I am unable to begin a relationship with you.
On the golf course, I'm under par
I excel at playing golf and usually score below average.
Metro Goldwyn have asked me to star
I have been offered a leading role in a movie by Metro Goldwyn Mayer, a major film production company.
I've got a house, a showplace
I possess a magnificent residence, an opulent place.
Still I can't get no place with you
Despite having achieved material success, I am unable to win your affection or attention.
'Cause you're so supreme
Your exceptional qualities and traits surpass anything or anyone else.
Lyrics I write of you, I dream
I compose song verses and imagine you while sleeping.
Dream day and night of you
I fantasize about you constantly, both during the day and at night.
And I scheme just for the sight of you
I plan and devise ways to see you, even just for a glimpse.
Baby, what good does it do?
Despite my efforts and desires, they are useless when it comes to winning your affection or love.
I've been consulted by Franklin D
I have received advice or guidance from Franklin D. Roosevelt, a former US President.
Greta Garbo has had me to tea
I have been invited to have tea with Greta Garbo, a famous film actress from the early 20th century.
Still I'm broken-hearted
Nevertheless, my heart is still aching and pained.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ira Gershwin, Vernon Duke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trishlangford5773
This man was just gorgeous. I keep returning to these videos over and over. There is no-one today who even comes close. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@yachtmojitoes
His voice was golden, and no one is truly classy and cool like that anymore!
@debrathompson4319
I have adored Sammy since I was a child..I am 72. I betcha, though, Bruno Mars could come up with a Sammy imitation that would be respectfully worthy! Sammy, the greatest!❤️
@deneenjeffries2768
I said that he resembles Sammy in stature and maybe he could play him in a biopic
@spooncvc
wow, that was an impressive, on-the-fly performance! No one, I mean, NO ONE can replace Sammy. RIP
@TheInvincibleViolet
I never get tired of hearing this.. Remembering Sammy.. .. Fantastic..
@marmaly
One of the best live TV performances ever. Done without rehearsal by a man with throat cancer. The man had so much talent. He refused to have surgery so he could continue to sing. This decision may have shortened his life, but it gave us this treasure.
@AllmanBros
The all-time greatest entertainer ever! God Bless you Sammy!
@laurencelance586
+dallmanbro absolutely the most talented man in hollywood. Ever
@catfish336699
i've watched this on several occasions. knocks me out of my chair every time! a little fellow with a huge talent & personality. thanks sammy. you made a significant contribution to the world.