The Real Thing
Torme Lyrics


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I'd work for you, I'd slave for you
I'd be a beggar or a knave for you
If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

I'd gladly move the earth for you
To prove my love, dear, and it's worth for you
If that isn't love, it will have to do
Until the real thing comes along

With all the words, dear, at my command
I just can't make you understand
I'll always love you, darling, come what may
My heart is yours, what more can I say?

I'd sigh for you, I'd cry for you
I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you
If that isn't love, well if that isn't love it will have to do




Until the real thing comes along
Until the real thing comes along

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Torme's song The Real Thing express deep, unwavering love and devotion to another person. The singer proclaims that they would do anything for their loved one, including working tirelessly, being a beggar or knave, and even moving the earth just to prove their love's worth. The singer acknowledges that although this may not be enough to fully express their love, it will have to do until the “real thing” comes along. The lyrics are filled with emotion and intensity as the singer tries to convey the depth of their feelings.


The second verse emphasizes the singer's struggle to fully express their love despite having all the words at their command. The singer declares that their heart belongs to their beloved and that they would even tear the stars down from the sky if necessary. Ultimately, the message of the song is that although the singer's love may not be perfect or enough, it is the best they can do until they find the true “real thing.”


Overall, The Real Thing is a powerful song that captures the essence of unconditional love and the struggle to express it. The lyrics are beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant, making it a timeless classic.


Line by Line Meaning

I'd work for you, I'd slave for you
I'm willing to do anything for you, even work tirelessly without expecting anything in return


I'd be a beggar or a knave for you
I'm willing to sacrifice my dignity and social status just to be with you


If that isn't love, it will have to do
Although my actions may not necessarily be considered as pure love, I still hope it's enough for you, at least for now


Until the real thing comes along
I hope that someday, you'll experience true and genuine love from me


I'd gladly move the earth for you
I'm willing to complete the impossible task just to prove my love for you


To prove my love, dear, and it's worth for you
I want to show you how much you mean to me and how much I value you


With all the words, dear, at my command
I have every available vocabulary at my disposal, but I still can't express my love for you fully


I just can't make you understand
Even with my best efforts, I still can't seem to get through to you just how much you mean to me


I'll always love you, darling, come what may
I promise to love and cherish you always, no matter what happens in the future


My heart is yours, what more can I say?
I've given you my heart, my all, and there's nothing more I can say to convince you of my love for you


I'd sigh for you, I'd cry for you
Even the smallest things you do can make me feel emotional, and I'll always be there for you


I'd tear the stars down from the sky for you
I'm willing to do anything, even the impossible, to make you happy and show you my love


If that isn't love, well if that isn't love it will have to do
I know my actions may not be considered as the perfect definition of love, but it's the best I can offer for now


Until the real thing comes along
I'm hoping and praying that someday, I'll be able to show you true and genuine love that you deserve




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alberta Nichols, L.E. Freeman, Mann Holiner, Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@MrJazzohjazz

I am not sure why this beautiful ballad has not been sung by others   ....  it has a killer melody and bridge   .... I hope today's young singers will  find this masterpiece   ...

@theogoldberg8919

MrJazzohjazz It has actually been sung by others. Check Carol Sloan's version, a jewel...

@MrJazzohjazz

@@theogoldberg8919 Yes, Carol has a wonderful rendition. Thanks for the tip.

@MrJazzohjazz

@LaShonda Felton 36 The song, “The Real Thing.”

@kiallen6992

Beautiful! Mel Torme Is the real Thing!

@theogoldberg8919

You too darling you too, believe it!!!

@fasbc

Love Mel!

@marbranka


from live at 'Marty's,

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