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.
Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't go to bed with no price on your head,
Don't do it.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
When the going gets narrow.
Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price,
Don't do it.
Don't run your feet down a dead-end street.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
When the going gets narrow.
Don't do me dirt or you're gonna get hurt
Don't do it.
Don't run away till you hear what I say.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
When the going gets narrow.
Ain't gonna fight with no thief in the night
Won't do it.
I'm gonna go where the cold wind don't blow.
Keep your eye on the sparrow,
When the going gets narrow.
The lyrics to Sammy Davis Jr.'s "Keep Your Eye On The Sparrow" offer sage advice for avoiding trouble and staying true to oneself. The first verse admonishes against getting involved in illegal activities, warning that if you can't handle the consequences, don't do it. The refrain, "keep your eye on the sparrow," serves as a metaphor for staying focused on what's important and not getting sidetracked or distracted by temptation. The second verse advises against wasting time on dead-end pursuits and reminds the listener of the danger of betraying others. The final verse proclaims that the singer will not engage in senseless violence but rather seek out a peaceful existence.
Overall, the song is a call to integrity and mindfulness, encouraging the listener to stay true to their values and avoid the pitfalls of greed, deception, and violence. It serves as a testament to the enduring wisdom of the old adage, "you reap what you sow."
Line by Line Meaning
Don't go to bed with no price on your head
Don't end your day with burdens or guilt.
Don't do the crime if you can't do the time
You shouldn't commit any misdeeds that you can't face the consequences for.
Keep your eye on the sparrow
Stay alert and focused on your goals.
When the going gets narrow
During tough times or when you face difficult situations.
Don't roll the dice if you can't pay the price
You shouldn't take unnecessary risks if you can't afford to take the losses.
Don't run your feet down a dead-end street
Avoid investing your time and energy in unfruitful endeavors.
Don't do me dirt or you're gonna get hurt
Don't wrong me or you'll attract some trouble.
Don't run away till you hear what I say
Don't ignore or leave something without fully understanding it.
Ain't gonna fight with no thief in the night
It's better to avoid disputes with someone who acts dishonestly or sneakily.
I'm gonna go where the cold wind don't blow
I'll seek a place of comfort and safety where I can thrive.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DAVID GRUSIN, MORGAN AMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@malcolmcook7007
Mr. Blake and Mr. Davis Brilliant Universal Fabulous Performer Legends!
@MrGotro1
damn that brings back memories
@christianlink7287
I’m 54 Years Old, So Growing up in the Early seventies My Parents Generation and Neighbors that were Older All ways had Words of Wisdom and Sayings that were very Wise/ Intelligent. This song is a Reminder of those People God Bless Them!!
@Skynyrdforever
At least it sounds like you were smart enough to listen. I always did and it has really helped me in my life.
@MichelleCarter0512
Amen 🙏🏼 that is so true..
@hyacinthlynch843
Yep. The Silent Generation.
@MikeP-Funk777
I can dig it, man!
@Jgeneraledger23
Around the same age. It seemed like Life was cooler and more fun, then.
@tyrondavis6727
Great Well Done Job
RIP Robert Blake and Sammy Davis, Jr..
1975-76 song hit is a must.
What this song is describing and saying is this:
If you don't want to pay the price...stay out of trouble and don't do crimes that you're gonna regret later in life.....
Thanks for a powerful life lesson song from Barettta anthem theme song...... and thanks again for playing.
@arthurseymorejr.3606
I remember staying until 10pm just to hear this theme song and watch the show when I was a kid . One of my favorites. RIP to both Sammy & Robert .