May It Always Be
Bonnie "Prince" Billy Lyrics


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I've been with you for a fairly long time
May I call you, may I call you, may I call you mine?
And you, unknown, have been with me
May it always, may it always, may it always be

Please don't leave my side, remember I love you
None of what I have done wrong was really done against you
If you love me, and I'm weak, then weaker you must love me more
To re-enforce what's also strong and all the love we have in store

By example you show me that living's alright
Stay here with me, stay here with me, stay with me tonight
And come with me when I go into the bedroom
And we'll play bride, and we'll play bride, and we'll play bride and groom

If you had not been born you know
What would I, what would I be then?
I would not have had strength to grow
And be counted, and be counted among men

Please don't leave my side, remember I love you
None of what I have done wrong was really done against you
If you love me, and I'm weak, then weaker you must love me more
To re-enforce what's also strong and all the love we have in store

In the morning we'll wrestle and ruin our stomachs with coffee
Won't we be, won't we be, won't be happy




And we will rise in anger, love and ardour
Shining, shining, shimmering in love's armour

Overall Meaning

The song, "May It Always Be" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy, is a deeply romantic and sentimental piece. The lyrics express a strong desire for commitment and assurance in a relationship. The first verse affirms their time together and the hope that they can be together forever. The repetition of "may it always be" emphasizes the commitment they are seeking from each other. In the second verse, the singer asks their partner not to leave their side and reminds them that any mistakes they made were not intended to hurt them. They express a need for reassurance from their partner and the belief that the love they share is strong enough to overcome their weaknesses.


The bridge of the song is particularly tender as the singer recounts the importance their partner has played in their life. They acknowledge that without their partner, they would not have had the strength to grow and be successful. This realization heightens the singer's commitment to their partner even more. In the final verse, the singer envisions a future with their partner, full of happy and simple moments. The phrase "shining, shining, shimmering in love's armor" suggests that, despite any challenges they may face, their love will always protect them.


Overall, "May It Always Be" is a song that celebrates the beauty of long-lasting, committed love. The lyrics express the singer's deep love and affection for their partner, and the hope for a future that is filled with love, companionship, and support.


Line by Line Meaning

I've been with you for a fairly long time
We have shared a considerable length of time together


May I call you, may I call you, may I call you mine?
Can I express my affection by calling you mine?


And you, unknown, have been with me
You, a stranger then unknown, have become an important presence in my life


May it always, may it always, may it always be
May our bond remain forever as it is now


Please don't leave my side, remember I love you
Stay with me, don't abandon me; I deeply care for you


None of what I have done wrong was really done against you
Any of my past mistakes didn't have the intent to hurt you


If you love me, and I'm weak, then weaker you must love me more
If I am flawed and imperfect, to love me, you must love the parts of me that hide beneath the surface


To re-enforce what's also strong and all the love we have in store
To strengthen what's already steadfast and the emotions waiting to be expressed


By example you show me that living's alright
You demonstrate to me that being alive is not only bearable, but enjoyable


Stay here with me, stay here with me, stay with me tonight
Spend the night with me, don't abandon me while I'm vulnerable


And come with me when I go into the bedroom
Join me in my most private and intimate spaces


And we'll play bride, and we'll play bride, and we'll play bride and groom
We will indulge in playful, romantic behavior as pretend newlyweds


If you had not been born you know
If you didn't exist in this world


What would I, what would I be then?
How different would my life look without you?


I would not have had strength to grow
I wouldn't have the power to enact personal growth


And be counted, and be counted among men
And live an ordinary life like most people around me


In the morning we'll wrestle and ruin our stomachs with coffee
We will have morning fun and kickstart our day with caffeine


Won't we be, won't we be, won't be happy
We will be fulfilled and joyous together


And we will rise in anger, love and ardour
We will stand up fiercely with passion, love, and devotion


Shining, shining, shimmering in love's armour
Radiating with brilliance, glowing with affection, wrapped in love's protection




Writer(s): Will Oldham

Contributed by Joseph J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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