Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée (pronounced: "Surreal Emmay") has a culturally … Read Full Bio ↴Jazz vocalist Cyrille Aimée (pronounced: "Surreal Emmay") has a culturally rich background -- Dominican and French, Gypsy -- and conservatory training (SUNY Purchase) that help to form the rhythmic and expressive foundation by which a jury of legendary vocalists including Al Jarreau, Kurt Elling, Dianne Reeves and Dee Dee Bridgewater judged her to be a finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk Vocal Competition in 2010. At the young age of twenty-six, Cyrille has since become one of the hottest young artists on the New York scene. She has already released four CDs with a variety of ensembles and performed at the top venues around the world. The New York Times dubs her, "one of those singers whom non-singing musicians call 'a musician.'"

Not While I'm Around
Cyrille Aimee Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
No, sir, not while I'm around
Demons are prowling everywhere
Nowadays
I'll send them howling
I don't care

I 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

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
Not while I'm around

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cyrille Aimée's song "Not While I'm Around" convey a sense of unwavering protection and comfort that one person promises to offer another in the face of the world's evils. The song is a reassurance to someone that nothing bad will happen to them as long as the singer is around to protect them. Aimée sings that demons are constantly prowling around, but she will confront them and make sure they do not harm the person she is addressing. The verse "Others can desert you, not to worry, whistle, I'll be there" tells the listener that even if they feel abandoned or alone, they can always rely on the singer to be there for them and keep them safe.

Aimée's performance of the song, with its gentle yet resolute tone, underscores the sense of trust and safety that pervades the lyrics. The song's melody itself feels comforting and reassuring, incorporating simple, flowing rhythms with a touch of melancholy. The song is ultimately about the power of unconditional love and the sense of security that it can bring.

Line by Line Meaning

Nothing's gonna harm you
There's nothing to fear or worry about, because I will always protect you

Not while I'm around
As long as I am here, no harm will come to you

No one's gonna hurt you
I won't let anyone harm you or cause you pain

No one's gonna dare
Anyone who tries to hurt you will have to answer to me

Others can desert you
People may leave you or turn their backs on you, but I never will

Not to worry, whistle I'll be there
If you need me, just call out and I will come to your rescue

Demons'll charm you with a smile
There are people who will try to deceive you with their friendly appearance

For a while
They may be successful for a short period of time

But in time
Eventually, their true intentions will be revealed

Nothing can harm you
As long as you have me by your side, nothing can hurt you

Not while I'm around
I will always be here to protect you from harm