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.
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The Five Keys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
The Five Keys's song "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance" is a melancholic tune about unrequited love. The lyrics depict the artist's desperation and longing for a love that cannot be reciprocated because the object of their affection is involved with someone else.
The lines "I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly" showcase the artist's desire and yearning for the person they cannot have. They know they don't have a chance, but they cannot help but hope that their love interest will eventually see them in a new light.
The song's chorus "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you" reflects the artist's disillusionment with the situation. They know that no matter how much they try, they cannot win over their love interest. It's a somber and sad song that speaks to anyone who has ever been in love but couldn't have the person they wanted.
Line by Line Meaning
I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I am deeply and passionately in love with you and I need your love badly
But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I have no chance with you at all
I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I thought I had found you, but there are other people who are in love with you as well
And 'I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!'
And I know that I have absolutely no chance with you
If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you would just let me kiss you gently, maybe then you would realize that I am the one meant for you
You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
If you were to give me a chance, you might realize that I am the one who truly loves and cares for you
And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would always be loyal to you, but what is the point of making plans when I know I have no chance with you?
I know I must be dreaming
I realize that it is unlikely that you will ever love me, and that I am just dreaming about a future that will never come true
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICKY SKOPELITIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnjohnson2855
Smash hit!!! When music was soooooo romantic now look at how far our culture has slipped!!
@vodkamarie
This particular song was one of the very best from the 1950's. I've been listening to this music for about 66 years with pure pleasure. I have too many songs during the genre to pick a favorite, but I can say that the Five Keys are in my top ten. This song is in my top 10 of all time during the very late 40's and all through the 50's.
@user-hy2xf8ke8w
I have this in my top 3 of all time along with One Summer Night by the Danleers and My Memories of You by the Harptones ❤
@FredericoChilibreath
As of this posting I'm 78 years old and I grew up in south-central L.A. listening to doo-wop, and even though pop music has morphed through the years nothing (absolutely nothing!) can match the emotional quality of the music of this 50's era. Yes there are and has been some really good pop music through the years, but as an overall period nothing beats the 50's (plus and minus a few years) for solid hits that resonate even today... and I'm proud to be an old fart from a time when pop music was absolute gold. C'mon baby let the good times roll!
@user-hy2xf8ke8w
The Five Keys , smooth as silk . The magic happens between Maryland Pierce and Rudy West 🙏🏼. This is in my Top 3 Doo Wop songs of all time , along with One Summer Night by the Danleers and My Memories of You by the Harptones
@senoragreenrouzier2619
When this song came out in 1955 I was 9 years old, Back then it was recorded on 78 rpm and when my father played this record he would sing it to my mother while dancing. I still Love, Love this song and the memory of the Love they Shared.
@Mahasattva27
Wow. Beautiful memory.
@georgebarilone7952
i am 80 yrs. young, and i love this music. listened to it all night long,back in the 50's.these groups back then ,we're great.most songs were about love.and you could hold your girl in your arms,and dance,and felt like you owned the world. and the guys dressed to kill. not like today.this song (close your eyes),was my all time favorite.the singers back then were unbelievably talented.I Still love rock n roll,do-wop,andrythym and blues.but i also love country music.Ialso love gospel music.I sing it all,even to this day,with my entertainer son.all over mass.Long live 50's music.daddy-o
@georgemagnani3121
This song brings me back to asking a girl to dance at the YMCA dances they used to have for pre-teens back in late fifties. Great memories! Great song!
@buddimack
I was 15 in 1955 when this came out and that is when i got hooked on R&B and still hooked