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.
My Funny Valentine
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sweet comic valentine
You make me smile with my heart
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable
Yet you're my favorite work of art
Is your figure less than Greek
Is your mouth a little weak
Well don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's day
Is your figure less than Greek
Is your mouth a little weak
When you open it to speak, are you smart?
Well don't change a hair for me
Not if you care for me
Stay little valentine, stay
Each day is Valentine's day
Sammy Davis Jr.'s "My Funny Valentine" lyrically speaks about a humorous yet endearing love between the singer and their valentine. The first verse praises the valentine, calling them both sweet and amusing. The second verse empathizes that the valentine's beauty may not be conventionally attractive and may even be unphotographable, though to the singer, they are worth valuing as a work of art. The chorus indicates that the valentine may not necessarily have the traditionally celebrated Greek figure or an eloquent voice but asserts that these qualities don't matter. The singer suggests that the valentine not change their appearance for them as they already adore them for who they are. Finally, the song closes on the idea that every day with their valentine is a special day, no less deserving of celebration than Valentine's Day itself.
Line by Line Meaning
My funny valentine
My beloved, though you may not be perfect or conventionally attractive, to me, you are always charming.
Sweet comic valentine
My endearing and amusing love, even your flaws only make me appreciate you more.
You make me smile with my heart
You bring me indescribable joy and happiness that originates in the deepest parts of my soul.
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable
Your appearance is unconventional and not traditionally beautiful, but it only adds to your unique charm.
Yet you're my favorite work of art
To me, you are the most beautiful and precious thing in the world, like a masterpiece crafted by the finest artist.
Is your figure less than Greek
Do you have a less-than-perfect body compared to traditional ideals of beauty?
Is your mouth a little weak
Do you have any minor imperfections in your appearance or speech that might be considered less attractive?
When you open it to speak, are you smart?
Despite any perceived physical imperfections, do you possess intelligence and wit?
Well don't change a hair for me
My love for you is unconditional, so I wouldn't want you to change anything about yourself for my sake.
Not if you care for me
If you truly care for me, you would know that I accept you just the way you are.
Stay little valentine, stay
Stay with me, my dear Valentine, and continue to bring your joyful and unique presence into my life.
Each day is Valentine's day
Every single day spent with you is like Valentine's Day, filled with love, appreciation, and joy.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Lorenz Hart, Richard Rodgers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@candysantillo3325
I could listen to this version a thousand and never tire of it
@mariemay1000
So would Y
...
@chicanasc4201
Same 😌
@veronicafarlette3097
The VERY best version of this song !!
@geraldinemclaughlin486
This song is for all of the beautiful men and ladies husband's and wife's that still in love with each other have a great day thank you for taking time to read this comment I no it's a bit early god bless and keep safe 🙏😂😍👀🎶🤗🍀🍀
@lindarogow5338
DOMO ARIGATO from CHO CHO SAN.
@nicklh186
I have such a crush on him.
@reidx512
AMAZING.... THANKS FOR POSTING......MY FAVORITE VERSION....@ 1:22... LOVE IT.... CHORDS R GREAT........HE HAD AN INNATE ABILITY TO PHRASE AS IF HE WERE SINGING DIRECTLY TO YOU... THANK AGAIN....
@johns1693
WOOOOOOOO WHAT A WONDERFUL VOICE !!!!!!!!!! <3
@Grace-fu3qf
So much feeling to this song. Thank you Sammy.