Did You Know
The song uses the well-known term “rags to riches,” meaning to rise from poverty to wealth. Fictional examples of this are Cinderella, Little Orphan Annie, and Oliver Twist. It is about valuing the love of a particular person over wealth. Even though the singer doesn’t have money, he/she still feels like a millionaire. In the end, we never know if the singer’s dream of love actually comes true, going from rags to riches, or remaining a beggar forever.
This was written in 1953 by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, who first started writing songs together in 1950. Together they wrote the Broadway shows The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955). Combined, the original Broadway productions of all of their musicals won a total of 11 Tony Awards. Many of their songs became part of the Great American Songbook (such as “Hey There,” a #1 hit for Rosemary Clooney in 1954). Their massive success was unfortunately cut short when Jerry Ross died of bronchiectasis in 1955 at the age of 29.
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Lyric
I know I’d go from rags to riches
If you would only say you care
And though my pocket may be empty
I’d be a millionaireMy clothes may still be torn and tattered
But in my heart, I’d be a king
Your love is all that ever mattered
It’s everythingSo open your arms and you’ll open the door
To every treasure, I’m hoping for
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you’re mine evermoreMust I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to youMust I forever be a beggar
Whose golden dreams will not come true
Or will I go from rags to riches
My fate is up to you