In the original version of the tale he is a barber who murders wealthy customers by pulling a lever while they are in his barber's chair which, unknown to them, is fixed to a revolving trap-door, making them fall backward into the basement, generally causing them to break their necks or skulls as they hit the ground. Just in case they are alive, he goes to the basement and "polishes them off," meaning he slits their throats with a cut-throat razor. But in many adaptations of the tale, the murdering process is reversed, meaning that he slits their throats and then pulls a lever causing them to drop into the basement. After Todd has robbed his dead victims of their goods, Mrs. Lovett, his partner in crime (in some later versions, his friend who wants to become his lover), assists him in disposing of the bodies by having their flesh baked into meat pies, and selling them to the unsuspecting customers of her pie shop. Todd's barber shop is situated at 186 Fleet Street, London, next to St. Dunstan's church, and is connected to Mrs. Lovett's pie shop in nearby Bell Yard by means of an underground passage.
The tale surrounding the character became a staple of Victorian melodrama, and later a Tony award-winning Broadway musical in 1979. Sweeney Todd has also been featured in several films, the most recent being Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007), directed by Tim Burton, with Johnny Depp in the title role.
Not While I'm Around
Jamie Cullum Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No one's gonna hurt you, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere, nowadays
I'll send 'em howling
I've got ways
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry
Whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you with a smile, for a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
Demons'll charm you with a smile, for a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm around
The song "Not While I'm Around" by Jamie Cullum is a protective ballad, which conveys the message of safeguarding someone you love from potential harm. In the first two lines, the singer assures his loved one that nothing will harm them as long as he is around. He reiterates this point by saying that no one will hurt you, directly or indirectly. The chorus describes the presence of demons, who are always out to get people in different ways. But the singer is not afraid of them and can send them away.
The second verse explains that while demons can deceive you or temporarily charm you, they can never harm you if you have the protection of someone who loves you. The last line of the chorus is repeated again, emphasizing that nothing can harm you while the person is around.
In general, the song creates a sense of protection, which can be extended to any relationship, whether it is romantic or between family and friends. The lyrics conveys the message that if you have someone who loves you and watches over you, nothing can harm you.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around
I'll protect you from any harm that comes your way
No one's gonna hurt you, not while I'm around
I won't let anyone hurt you while I'm here
Demons are prowling everywhere, nowadays
There are evil forces lurking around and causing trouble nowadays
I'll send 'em howling
I'll scare those demons away
I've got ways
I have my own methods to handle those demons
No one's gonna hurt you
I won't let anyone hurt you
No one's gonna dare
No one will even dare to try hurting you
Others can desert you
Other people may abandon you
Not to worry
But don't worry
Whistle, I'll be there
Just whistle and I'll come to your side
Demons'll charm you with a smile, for a while
Those demons may try to deceive you with their charming smile, at least for a short time
But in time
But eventually
Nothing can harm you
You will be safe from harm
Not while I'm around
As long as I'm here to protect you
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@stevenmflores
I played this song to my baby girl . When she was a baby all the time. She’s five now. We sing it together.!!!jamie you are the man!!! Nuff respect
@familienschlau4936
Same, she ist 13 now... 🥰🥰
@stevenmflores
❤ do me a favor brother check out
how do you fly
by Jamie Let me know what you think it’s a favorite holiday tune
@Hammer36666
couldn't be more beautiful... just perfect :)
@mamalogon
My wedding theme
@stephenbarry5196
Stephen. I Love Jamie Cullum. Enough Said
@rabahninho6277
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
@tommygomez08
Hope you're still there, and that you're doing more than fine. Miss you, and hope to talk again soon.
@tommygomez08
@sara Rae I carried my kiss on my finger all day yesterday, and again today. I don't know why, I just picked it up in the morning yesterday and kept it with me all day. I guess I just felt like I wanted it with me. I sing as loud as I can when I'm alone, and hushed whenever I'm not. I wish i could sing loudly for someone again. I hugged my mama twice today, and every other chance I get.
I don't feel free, it just hurts. I'm holding onto this kiss as long as I can.
@tommygomez08
I miss you every day and I hope you're living your dream. I'm sorry for everything I said. The only thing I wish for with every shooting star and ever dandelion I find is that you find the happiness and love you deserve ❤