Taking a Chance on Love

Song lyrics to Taking a Chance on Love (1940) written by Vernon Duke with lyrics by John La Touche and Ted Fetter

“Taking a Chance on Love” is a popular song from the 1940 Broadway musical Cabin in the Sky. It was introduced by Ethel Waters playing the role of Petunia Jackson both on Broadway and later in the 1943 MGM musical Cabin in the Sky.

Here I go again
I hear those trumpets blow again
All aglow again
Taking a chance on love

Here I slide again
About to take that ride again
Starry eyed again
Taking a chance on love

I thought that cards were a frame-up
I never would try
Now I’m taking that game up
And the ace of hearts is high

Things are mending now
I see a rainbow blending now
We’ll have a happy ending now
Taking a chance on love

Here I slip again
About to take that trip again
I got that grip again
Taking a chance on love

Now I prove again
That I can make life move again
I’m in a grove again
Taking a chance on love

I walk around with a horseshoe
In clover I lie
And brother rabbit of course
You better kiss your foot goodbye

On that ball again
I’m riding for a fall again
I’m gonna give my all again
Taking a chance on love

Media and recordings

• Since the original recording, “Taking a Chance on Love” has been sung and recorded by many prominent performers, including:
• In 1943, a reissue of the Benny Goodman cover featuring Helen Forrest reached No. 1, as well as reaching No. 10 on the Harlem Hit Parade chart.
• Sammy Kaye also enjoyed chart success in 1943, reaching the No. 13 position.
• Hazel Scott in I Dood It
• Frank Sinatra
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Tony Bennett