The Five Keys is an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was instrume… Read Full Bio ↴The Five Keys is an American rhythm and blues vocal group that was instrumental in shaping this genre in the 1950s.

It was formed with the original name of Sentimental Four in Newport News, Virginia, U.S., in the late 1940s, and initially consisted of two sets of brothers - Rudy West (born 25 July 1932, Newport News, Virginia) and Bernie West (born 4 February 1930, Newport News), and Ripley Ingram (born 1930 - died 23 March 1995, Newport News) and Raphael Ingram. Ingram left in 1949 and Maryland Pierce (born 1933) and Dickie Smith became members in his place. At this juncture the name of the group was changed to The Five Keys.

They were signed to Aladdin Records in 1951, and in 1952 Rudy West left to join the United States Army, and he was replaced by Ulysses K. Hicks. In 1954 Dickie Smith left and was replaced with Ramon Loper.

At this point the Five Keys was signed to Capitol Records, and their popularity increased, although more instrumentation was used.

The group was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2002.

Ghost of a Chance
The Five Keys Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I know I must be dreaming

Overall Meaning

The Five Keys's song Ghost of a Chance talks about unrequited love, where the singer is deeply in love with someone who doesn't reciprocate their feelings. The lyrics express the singer's desperation for the love of this person, but they know they don't have a chance with them. They talk about having found this person, but they are surrounded by other lovers, making it impossible for the singer to win their affection. However, the singer believes that if they could just have a chance with this person, they would be the perfect match for them and would be true to them. Unfortunately, the odds are against them and they feel like they are just dreaming.

The song uses the metaphor of a ghost (something intangible, elusive, and unattainable) to describe the singer's chances of winning the love of this person. The lyrics express a sense of resignation and disappointment, as the singer knows that their affection won't be reciprocated, yet they can't help but long for this person. Ultimately, the song is a sad reflection on the reality of unrequited love and the pain that it can cause.

Line by Line Meaning

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I am deeply in love with you and require your affection.

But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I am unlikely to win your affections.

I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed I had found love, but you are surrounded by other suitors.

And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
And the likelihood of you choosing me is very slim.

If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you were to submit to a small show of affection, you may realize my worth.

You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
You may come to realize that I am the one who is best suited for you.

And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be a faithful partner, but it's pointless to strategize when the odds are against me.

I know I must be dreaming
I am aware that my desires are unrealistic and may simply be wishful thinking.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Bing Crosby, Ned Washington, Victor Popular Young

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS