Rags To Riches – Tribute To Tony Bennett

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.

Did You Know

In 1953, Richard Adler and Jerry Ross penned this song, marking the beginning of their successful songwriting partnership that began in 1950. Together, they crafted Broadway hits like The Pajama Game (1954) and Damn Yankees (1955). Their original Broadway productions collectively earned 11 Tony Awards. Several of their compositions, such as “Hey There,” which became a #1 hit for Rosemary Clooney in 1954, became enduring classics in the Great American Songbook. Tragically, their remarkable collaboration was tragically cut short when Jerry Ross passed away from bronchiectasis at the age of 29 in 1955.

Video

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 millionaire

My 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 everything

So 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 evermore

Must 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

Must 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

Guitar chord

(chorus)
C                                 F
I know I'd go from rags to riches
G                           C 
If you would only say you cared,
Am                                F 
And though my pockets may be empty,
G                   C - C7 
I'd be a millionaire,


(verse 2) 
C                                        F 
My clothes may still be torn and tattered,
G                            C 
But in my heart I'd be a king,
Am                             F 
Your love is all that ever mattered,
G              G7 
It's everything,


(chorus)
C                                 F
I know I'd go from rags to riches
G                           C 
If you would only say you cared,
Am                                F 
And though my pockets may be empty,
G                   C - C7 
I'd be a millionaire,


(verse 2)
      C                           F 
So open your arms and you'll open the door
G                                       C
To all the treasure that I'm living for
Am                      G                             C 
Hold me and kiss me and tell me you're mine evermore


(chorus)
C                                 F
I know I'd go from rags to riches
G                           C 
If you would only say you cared,
Am                                F 
And though my pockets may be empty,
G                   C - C7 
I'd be a millionaire,

C                          F 
Must I forever stay a beggar,
C                                     F
Whose golden dreams will not come true,
Am                            F 
Or will I go from rags to riches,
G                 C - C7 
My fate is up to you,