Please Don't TAlk About Me When
Sammy Davis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Seems we can't get along,
No matter what I do
I don't appeal to you
Makes no difference whether
I am right or wrong
If we can't be sweethearts
This much you can do
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
It's best that we do
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference how I carry on
Just remember
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
As recorded by Kay Starr.
The above lyrics are from Sammy Davis Jr.'s song "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone". The song highlights the strained relationships between two people who have been together for a long time but cannot seem to get along. The tenuousness of the relationship is evident in the opening lines: "Years we've been together/ Seems we can't get along". The singer is pleading with his partner not to speak ill of him after he's gone. The lyrics imply that their relationship has run its course and they are parting ways.
The singer tries to end things on good terms, asking his partner not to say anything negative about him after he is gone. The lyrics "If we can't be sweethearts/ This much you can do" suggest that even if they can't be together, they can still maintain a certain degree of mutual respect. The singer recognizes that the relationship is over and wants to end things amicably. He wants his partner to remember the good things about him after he is gone, instead of talking about the parts of the relationship that didn't work out.
Overall, the song is a poignant reminder that even when relationships end, it's important to treat one another with respect and kindness. It's a plea for civility and understanding when things don't work out, and a reminder that sometimes it's better to move on than to dwell on the negative.
Line by Line Meaning
Years we've been together
We have been in a relationship for a long time
Seems we can't get along,
It appears that we are unable to have a good relationship
No matter what I do
My efforts to improve our relationship are futile
I don't appeal to you
You do not find me attractive
Makes no difference whether
It does not matter if
I am right or wrong
Whether I am correct or mistaken
If we can't be sweethearts
If we cannot be lovers
This much you can do
At least do this for me
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Do not speak of me when I am no longer present
Oh, Honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
Although our friendship is ending from this point forward
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
And if you cannot say anything kind
It's better not to talk at all, that's my advice
It would be best not to speak at all, that is my suggestion
We're parting, you go your way, I'll go mine
We are separating, you will continue in your direction and I will continue in mine
It's best that we do
It is the best thing for us to do
Here's a kiss, I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Here is a kiss, I hope it brings you a lot of fortune
Makes no difference how I carry on
It does not matter how I continue
Just remember
Only remember
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone.
Do not speak about me when I am no longer present
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bee Palmer, Sidney Clare, Sam Stept
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Fencemaster
Ah thanks for posting. Spotify has a stupidly edited version of this up, with that wicked middle section taken out for god knows what reason. Great photos you've chosen too. My dad had the album, which I've kept of course, which - in turn - means I've been listening to this for about 55 years.
If you search about, there are some great stories about this gig / recording. There's only one photograph I've ever seen, but don't build your hopes up, it makes the Sands look like a church hall, it's no where near as evocative as this ridiculously awesome recording. The snare drum and bass drum sound alone, I mean, what the hell?! Wow.
I've read how the recording took place between about 3 and 6 IN THE MORNING. Buddy lived in Las Vegas at the time, about 10 minute's drive away. The house he lived in then was sold recently. I came across an article on a Las Vegas local community website by chance, not long after it had been sold. Ah yes I just checked. Paradise Palms / Buddy Rich house, if you want to look for it. Buddy bought pretty much the show home, with all the furniture in 1964, stayed there until 1970, when things didn't end too well for financial reasons.
The Sammy Davis biography YES I CAN is pretty much the best book / book about this era / book about music / I have ever read. Don't hesitate to buy a copy if you see one anywhere. It was published in 1964, obviously a few years before this ridiculous recording happened. It nearly didn't happen apparently, because Mr Rich got cross, as Sammy Davis was 30 minutes late for the rehersal. Anyway, it happened. Buddy Rich gets a great write up in the book as an immediate friend of Sammy's from well before he was a big star.
Those were the days.
@amymalina5073
Love Sammy, on anything, all the time. He was great. Not just good, great
@markowen2649
Buddy rich... Amazing !!
@johnlewis9745
Undoubtedly the greatest all round entertainer of all time - bar none.
@josephpalau897
One of the GREATEST American entertainers EVER!!!
@markowen2649
Shame this concert was never televised....master piece
@scaramouche853
Sammy was a master, a FANTASTIC singer, an AMAZING dancer, a comic, an actor, raconteur, and could play a myriad of instruments, not just well but brilliantly. A true talent. No-one is more worthy of the the tile bestowed on him.. MR. ENTERTAINMENT
@VentiMocha1Rasp
One of the best shout choruses ever!
@TheNISSANSTAN
Best voice of the Rat Pack
@JunkerOnDrums
The Buddy Rich snaredrum fill at 2:28 is amazing :D
@SightNSoundBand
So very very swingin"...