It Ain't Necessarily So
Sammy Davis Jr. · Other Songs - Sammy Davis Jr.
It ain't necessarily so
De things dat yo' liable to read in de Bible
It ain't necessarily so
Li'l David was small but oh my
Li'l David was small but oh my
He fought big Goliath who lay down and dieth
Li'l David was small but oh my
Oh Jonah he lived in de whale
Oh Jonah he lived in de whale
For he made his home in dat fish's abdomen
Oh Jonah he lived in de whale
Li'l Moses was found in a stream
Li'l Moses was found in a stream
He floated on water 'til ole Pharaoh's daughter
She fished him she says from that stream
It ain't necessarily so
It ain't necessarily so
Dey tell all you chillun de debble's a villain
But 'taint necessarily so
To get into Hebben don' snap for a sebben
Live clean, don' have no fault
Oh I takes dat gospel whenever it's pos'ble
But wid a grain of salt
Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
Methus'lah lived nine hundred years
But who calls dat livin' when no gal'll give in
To no man what's nine hundred years
I'm preachin' dis sermon to show
It ain't nessa, ain't nessa
Ain't nessa, ain't nessa
It ain't necessarily so
It Ain't Necessarily So
Sammy Davis Jr.'s 1957 recording of 'It Ain't Necessarily So' stands as a definitive example of his unique ability to blend jazz sophistication with showmanship. Originally a standard from the 1920s, Davis transformed the material into a vibrant showcase of his signature style, merging the rhythmic drive of swing with the theatrical flair that made him a household name. The track highlights his mastery of scat singing and his charismatic delivery, which became a staple in his live performances and television appearances. As a key figure in bridging the gap between traditional jazz and popular entertainment, Davis ensured that this lively interpretation remains a cherished part of the American musical canon, reflecting the optimism and energy of the late 1950s era.