All My Life
Carmen McRae & Ray Bryant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been waiting for you
My wonderful one
I've begun
Living all my life
All my love
Has been waiting for you
Now that I'm
Giving all my love
You seem so lovely, so far above me
I'm almost afraid to look
But I adore you, I pledge before you
A heart that's an open book
All my life
Hold me close to your heart
But all else above
Hold my love
Darling, just hold my love
In the song "All My Life," Carmen McRae and Ray Bryant express their anticipation for the arrival of their true love. The songwriters describe how they have been waiting for the perfect partner for their entire life, and now that they have found that person, their life is complete. They pledge their love and devotion, acknowledging that their true love is out of their league, and they are afraid to look too long. However, they are ready to give all their love and hold their partner's love above everything else. The lyrics suggest that true love is a fulfilling and uplifting experience that completes a person's life.
The song "All My Life" has had several noteworthy covers and performances over the years, and it has become a classic jazz standard. One of the most famous recordings of the song is by jazz legend Ella Fitzgerald, who released her version of the song in 1956. Other notable artists who have recorded the song include Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole. The song has also been used in several movies and TV shows, including the films "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "American Graffiti."
Line by Line Meaning
All my life
Throughout my existence
I've been waiting for you
I've been anticipating your arrival
My wonderful one
The person I value so much
I've begun
I've started to
Living all my life
Spending all my time alive in this manner
All my love
The entirety of my affection
Has been waiting for you
Has been eagerly anticipating you
My life is sublime
My way of life is remarkable
Now that I'm
Because I am now
Giving all my love
Offering all of my affection
You seem so lovely, so far above me
You come across as exceptionally attractive, beyond my level
I'm almost afraid to look
I'm hesitant to gaze upon you
But I adore you, I pledge before you
But I cherish you, I make a solemn promise to you
A heart that's an open book
My emotions and intentions are laid bare
All my life
Throughout my existence
Hold me close to your heart
Embrace me with love and care
But all else above
Despite everything else
Hold my love
Value and cherish my affection
Darling, just hold my love
My beloved, simply cherish my love
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: SAMMY H. STEPT, SIDNEY D. MITCHELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind