I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You
Wes Montgomery Lyrics


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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

These lyrics from Wes Montgomery's "I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance With You" convey the singer's hopeless infatuation with someone who does not return their affections. The opening lines reveal the singer's desperation for the love of the person they are addressing, emphasizing the intensity of their emotions as demonstrated by their use of repetition ("I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly"). Despite their feelings, however, the singer acknowledges that they do not stand a chance with this person, who is surrounded by other potential suitors. The second verse suggests that the singer has considered trying to win this person over, but realizes that their efforts would be futile ("But what's the good of scheming, I know I must be dreaming"). The overall effect is one of heartbreak and resignation.


The song was first recorded in 1932 by the composer Bing Crosby, and since then it has been covered by countless musicians, including Frank Sinatra and Billie Holiday. Wes Montgomery's version, released in 1966, features his signature style of jazz guitar, accompanied by a string section and a rhythm section. The song appears on his album "California Dreaming," which was produced by Creed Taylor.


Line by Line Meaning

I need your love so badly, I love you, oh, so madly
I have an intense desire for your love and care deeply for you


But I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!
I have no chance of winning your affection or attention


I thought at last I'd found you, but other lovers surround you
I believed I had found love with you, but it seems that you have other options and admirers


And "I don't stand a ghost of a chance with you!"
Again, I have no chance of being with you romantically


If you'd surrender just for a tender kiss or two
If you gave me the opportunity to show you affection with a few sweet kisses


You might discover, that I'm the lover meant for you
You could potentially find that I am the one you are meant to be with


And I'd be true, but what's the good of scheming
I would be committed to you and faithful - but it's pointless to try and plan, since I know I cannot have you


I know I must be dreaming
I am aware that this is just a fantasy and it will not come to fruition in reality




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: NICKY SKOPELITIS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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