As Long As He Needs Me
Dionne Warwick Lyrics


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As long as he needs me
Oh, yes, he does need me
In spite of what you see
I'm sure that he needs me

Who else would love him still
When they've been used so ill?
He knows I always will
As long as he needs me

I miss him so much when he is gone
But when he's near me
I don't let on

The way I feel inside
The love I have to hide
The hell! I've got my pride
As long as he needs me

He doesn't say the things he should
He acts the way he thinks he should
But all the same
I'll play this game
His way ...

As long as he needs me
I know where I must be
I'll cling on steadfastly
As long as he needs me

As long as life is long
I'll love him right or wrong
And somehow I'll be strong
As long as he needs me

If you are lonely
Then you will know
When someone needs you
You love them so

I won't betray his trust
Though people say I must




I've got to stay true, just
As long as he needs me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dionne Warwick's beautiful song 'As Long As He Needs Me' from the musical 'Oliver!' tells the story of Nancy, a woman who deeply loves and cares for her partner, even though he treats her poorly. She is convinced that he needs her and cannot live without her, despite the way he treats her. The lyrics demonstrate her unwavering loyalty and commitment to him, even when he doesn't deserve it. She misses him when he is gone, but she keeps her emotions hidden and remains strong, holding on to her pride. Nancy believes that her love for him will make her strong and that she will always be there for him, no matter what.


The song's lyrics capture the complexities of love, loyalty, and devotion. It portrays the story of Nancy, who is willing to remain devoted to her partner, regardless of his flaws and the way he treats her. While some argue that the song reinforces traditional gender roles by portraying Nancy as a submissive and loyal partner, others see it as empowering, showing that love can endure even in the most challenging circumstances. Overall, the song is a beautiful testament to the power of love in the face of adversity.


Line by Line Meaning

As long as he needs me
I will stay by his side as long as he wants me to.


Oh, yes, he does need me
He needs me in his life, even if it doesn't appear that way to others.


In spite of what you see
Despite the appearance to others, he needs me.


I'm sure that he needs me
I am confident that he needs me and I will not abandon him.


Who else would love him still
Who else would continue to love him even after being mistreated?


When they've been used so ill?
When he has been treated badly by others?


He knows I always will
He knows that I will always love him and be there for him.


I miss him so much when he is gone
I feel a strong sense of loss when he is not with me.


But when he's near me
When he is with me, I hide my true emotions.


I don't let on
I keep my feelings inside and don't show them.


The way I feel inside
My true emotions that I keep hidden.


The love I have to hide
The love I feel for him that I cannot express.


The hell! I've got my pride
I am determined to maintain my dignity, despite the difficult circumstances.


He doesn't say the things he should
He does not express his feelings or thoughts as he should.


He acts the way he thinks he should
He behaves according to his own beliefs, even if it is not what others expect.


But all the same
Regardless of his behavior, I will remain loyal to him.


I'll play this game
I will continue to follow his lead in this relationship.


His way ...
I will respect his wishes and follow his lead in our relationship.


I know where I must be
I know that my place is by his side.


I'll cling on steadfastly
I will hold on tightly and never let him go.


As long as life is long
I will love him for as long as I live.


I'll love him right or wrong
I will love him unconditionally, regardless of his actions or choices.


And somehow I'll be strong
I will find the strength to endure whatever comes our way.


If you are lonely
If you have ever felt alone and unloved.


Then you will know
You will understand how it feels to be needed by someone.


When someone needs you
When someone depends on you for emotional support and love.


You love them so
You feel a strong sense of love and loyalty towards them.


I won't betray his trust
I will not do anything to break his trust in me.


Though people say I must
Even if others tell me to do otherwise.


I've got to stay true, just
I must remain loyal and committed to him, no matter what.


As long as he needs me
I will remain devoted to him for as long as he wants me to be.




Contributed by Carter G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Randall Sundeen

Whenever someone mentions Dionne Warwick Burt Bacharach and Hal David come to mind however one shouldn't forget her brilliant interpretation of classic Broadway Songs BRAVO!!!

shari r.

What a voice!

Lydia Unalivia

Awesome to the ears and feelings

Betty George

SHE WAS ONE OF THE GREATS! AND SHE HASN'T LOST YET!

Betty George

THANKS YOUTUBE FOR AS LONG AS HE NEEDS ME, DIONNE WARWICK!

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