All Or Nothing At All
Bill Henderson/Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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Half a love, never appealed to me
If your heart, never could yield to me
Then I'd rather (rather) have nothing at all
All or nothing at all
If it's love, there is no in between
Why begin then cry, for something that might have been
But please don't bring your lips so close to my cheek
Don't smile or I'll be lost beyond recall
The kiss in your eyes, the touch of your hand makes me weak
And my heart may go dizzy and fall
And if I fell (I fell) under the spell of your call
I would be, caught in the undertow
So you see, I've got to say no, no
All or nothing at all
The song "All Or Nothing At All" is a classic love song that depicts the idea of not settling for half-hearted love. The lyrics express that having someone's heart halfway is not enough to make a relationship work, and it would be better to have absolutely nothing at all than only half of someone's love.
The lyrics continue to state that if one is in love, there are no grey areas – it's either all or nothing. The song tells the listener not to start a relationship if it's not going to be full of love, or else it would lead to regret, and they would rather have nothing than a mediocre relationship.
The lyrics then take a turn, warning one not to get too close because the sentiment being shared by the person could be a "spell" that feels too irresistible. The song stresses that one must be careful not to fall for sweet talk and smiles that can lure someone into half-hearted love. The singer concludes by saying that they must say no to such a love affair, and it's best to keep a safe distance entirely.
Line by Line Meaning
All or nothing at all
I am only open to complete love or none at all.
Half a love, never appealed to me
I don't believe in settling for less than true love.
If your heart, never could yield to me
If you do not have love to give, it is better to not pursue a relationship.
Then I'd rather (rather) have nothing at all
I would rather be alone than settle for half-hearted love.
If it's love, there is no in between
Love cannot be partially felt, it is all or nothing.
Why begin then cry, for something that might have been
It is not worth starting a relationship only to have it end in heartbreak.
No I'd rather (rather) have nothing at all
It is better to be alone than to regret being in a loveless relationship.
But please don't bring your lips so close to my cheek
I am drawn to you, but I cannot let myself be swayed by physical affection.
Don't smile or I'll be lost beyond recall
I cannot let myself be swayed by your charm or flirtation.
The kiss in your eyes, the touch of your hand makes me weak
Your physical affection is tempting, but I must resist.
And my heart may go dizzy and fall
My emotions may get the best of me and I may fall for you despite my reservations.
And if I fell (I fell) under the spell of your call
If I give in to temptation and pursue you, I know I may become entranced by you.
I would be, caught in the undertow
If I let myself be swept up in this romance, I know I will lose my sense of judgment.
So you see, I've got to say no, no
Therefore, I must resist your charms and refuse to pursue a relationship.
All or nothing at all
I only accept complete love or no love at all.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: Arthur Altman, Jack Lawrence
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@myamrakich5024
I wish I could have heard this live.
@sidneyjprettymon
Thank you, Samara Camargo, for posting this exquisite track. Singer Bill Henderson just happens to be a Facebook friend you can look up. Having Oscar Peterson's help doesn't hurt. It's lulling and lovely.