I Cover the Waterfront
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics


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I cover the waterfront,
I'm watching the sea,,
Will the one I love,
Be coming back to me?

I cover the waterfront,
In search of my love,
And I'm covered by,
A starless sky above.

Here am I,
Patiently waiting,
Hoping and longing,
Oh! How I yearn!
Where are you?
Are you forgetting?
Do you remember?
Will you return?

I cover the waterfront,
I'm watching the sea,





For the one I love,
Must come back to me.

Overall Meaning

In Sammy Davis Jr.'s song "I Cover the Waterfront," the lyrics convey a sense of longing, hope, and anticipation for the return of a loved one. The singer positions themselves by the waterfront, symbolizing their connection to the vastness of the sea, and watches, yearning for their beloved to come back to them. The repetition of "I cover the waterfront" emphasizes the singer's dedication and determination in their search for love.


The lyrics are infused with a sense of vulnerability and solitude depicted by the starless sky above. The mention of a starless sky suggests a lack of guidance and light, which could be seen as a metaphor for the singer's emotional state. They are patiently waiting, hoping, and longing for their loved one to return, questioning whether they have been forgotten or remembered. The lyrics capture the emotional rollercoaster of love, as the singer toggles between doubt and a steadfast belief in the eventual reunion of their love.


Overall, "I Cover the Waterfront" portrays the universal theme of love, distance, and the longing for a loved one's return. It reflects the emotional depth of the singer and their desire to be reunited with their beloved, even in the absence of certainty.


Line by Line Meaning

I cover the waterfront
I am constantly present and vigilant at the waterfront


I'm watching the sea
I am attentively observing the vast expanse of the ocean


Will the one I love
Is it possible that the person I deeply care for


Be coming back to me?
Will they return to my side once again?


I cover the waterfront
I continue to maintain my watchfulness at the waterfront


In search of my love
I am tirelessly seeking for my beloved


And I'm covered by
And I am encompassed by


A starless sky above
An empty and dark sky that lacks the guiding presence of stars


Here am I
Here I am, in this moment


Patiently waiting
Exercising patience as I endure the waiting


Hoping and longing
Filled with hope and intense desire


Oh! How I yearn!
Oh! How I deeply crave and yearn for them!


Where are you?
Where are you, my beloved?


Are you forgetting?
Is it possible that you have forgotten about me?


Do you remember?
Do you still hold memories of our love?


Will you return?
Will you come back to me?


I cover the waterfront
I continue to keep watch at the waterfront


I'm watching the sea
I'm attentively observing the sea


For the one I love
Because the person I love so deeply


Must come back to me.
Must inevitably return to my embrace.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Edward Heyman, John W. Green

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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