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.
Night Song
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Neon signs are shining through the tired trees
Lovers walking to and fro
Everyone has someone and a place to go
Listen, hear the cars come, pass
They don't even see me flying by so fast
They're moving, going who knows where
Where do you go
When you feel that your brain is on fire
Where do you go
When you don't even know what it is you desire
Listen, laughter everywhere
Hear it, life is in the air
As the night comes and the town awakes
Sound of children calling
And the squeal of brakes
Music but a lonely song
When you can't help wondering
Where do I belong
When you can't help wondering
Where do I belong
The song Night Song by Sammy Davis Jr. is a poignant commentary on the experience of feeling alone in a crowd. The lyrics depict a summer evening, with neon lights shining through the trees, and lovers walking hand in hand. The singer observes these scenes from a distance, feeling invisible as cars go by without noticing him. There is a sense of restlessness and disorientation, as the singer wonders where he fits into this bustling world.
The chorus of the song poses a question that many people can relate to: “Where do you go when you feel that your brain is on fire? Where do you go when you don't even know what it is you desire?” These lines convey a sense of desperation and yearning, as if the singer is seeking meaning and purpose in his life but doesn't know where to find it. There is a sense of isolation and longing that pervades the song, culminating in the final lines: “Music but a lonely song, when you can't help wondering / Where do I belong?”
Overall, Night Song is a moving portrayal of the human search for connection and belonging. The lyrics are introspective and thoughtful, and Sammy Davis Jr.'s soulful voice brings the emotions of the song to life.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh summer, not a bit of breeze
The singer is expressing the stillness of the season as if time has ceased, with nothing to alleviate the heat.
Neon signs are shining through the tired trees
The lights in the trees add illumination to the scene, as if they are trying to continue despite the heavy burden of the heat.
Lovers walking to and fro
Couples are out and about, enjoying each other's company as they stroll along aimlessly.
Everyone has someone and a place to go
People are all paired up and have a destination, while the artist is alone and searching for his sense of purpose and belonging.
Listen, hear the cars come, pass
The sounds of traffic surround the artist, indicating that although the town is active, he feels detached from it.
They don't even see me flying by so fast
The singer moves through the town quickly, indicating that he feels like a ghost or an outsider, invisible to those around him.
They're moving, going who knows where
The people around the singer are heading to unknown destinations, as opposed to the singer who feels lost and directionless.
Only thing I know is I am not going there
The artist is aware that he does not belong in the bustling scene around him, but he is unsure where he does fit in.
Where do you go
The artist is asking a question, implying that he is searching for answers.
When you feel that your brain is on fire
The artist has intense, overwhelming thoughts that he is unable to keep under control.
When you don't even know what it is you desire
The singer is unsure about what he wants and feels aimless.
Listen, laughter everywhere
The atmosphere around the artist is full of joy and merriment, but he feels disconnected from it.
Hear it, life is in the air
Although the singer feels disconnected from the buzz of the town, he is aware of the vitality present.
As the night comes and the town awakes
The town is coming alive as night falls, while the singer still feels lost and disconnected.
Sound of children calling
The sounds of kids playing and laughing can be heard, adding to the lively atmosphere of the town.
And the squeal of brakes
The sound of screeching car brakes signals the frenzied activity of the town, but also feels jarring to the artist's senses.
Music but a lonely song
While music is present in the town, the artist perceives it as melancholic and representing his own isolation.
When you can't help wondering
The singer is emphasizing the persistent nature of his introspection and confusion.
Where do I belong
The singer's central question, to which he is currently uncertain of the answer.
When you can't help wondering
Reiterating his uncertainty, the artist summarizes his internal dialogue throughout the song.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: IRVING MILLS, JUAN TIZOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Harald Trittner
Out of this world, terrific, classy...what a perfect voice, what a legend...Sammy 4ever 🌟Thanx for this amazing clip👌
Valerie Keck
He had a beautiful voice. He was a wonderful performer and I always enjoyed watching him dance. Thank you for posting this.
Sandra Maria
Sammy Davis Jr. unique, pure talent and charm! Wonderful song.
tj921able
This was a great performance! I always love to hear Sammy Davis Jr. sing. He had a soothing voice. Thank you for sharing this. God Bless You and stay safe.
Ron Rice
Terrific! This song really showcases his beautiful baritone voice.
JadeZee
what more needs to be said about the Great Sammy Davis Jr.
Ben Jonson
Saw him in Golden Boy on Broadway with my dad in the summer of 1965. Extraordinary performer.
JillKJV
Lucky!
Harald Trittner
👌TOP!!! well...in the Summer of 1965 i was 3 years old😅
That 70's Girl
His voice is so smooth... plus that orchestra ... equals perfection. If silk had a sound... this would be it!
Thank you for sharing! 💖