Not While I'm Around
Edward Sanders & Helena Bonham Carter 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 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
Not to worry
Not to worry
I may not be smart
But I ain't dumb
I can do it
Put me to it
Show me something I can overcome
Not to worry, Mum
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to
I would never
Hide a thing from you
Like some.
Mrs Lovett:
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
Nothing's gonna harm you
Darling, not while I'm around
Toby:
Demons'll charm you with a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around
The lyrics of "Not While I'm Around" are powerfully reassuring as Toby promises to protect those he cares about from harm. As the song progresses, the lyrics become more profound in their assertion of love and commitment. Even though demons prowl and harm lurks around every corner, Toby offers comfort and support for those he loves. The repetition of "Nothing's gonna harm you, not while I'm around" reinforces his promise of protection. Toby implies that he has ways to deal with the demons, and he does not want the people he loves to worry.
The song's impact is further solidified by the contrasting point of view of Mrs. Lovett. Her assertion that "nothing's gonna harm you, darling, not while I'm around" is another promise of protection that mirrors Toby's. The song speaks to the love and care one can offer others to show them that they are valued and protected. The lines "Being close and being clever, ain't like being true. I don't need to, I would never hide a thing from you, like some" further underscore the idea of authenticity and truthfulness in relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Nothing's gonna harm you
You will always be safe and protected.
Not while I'm around
As long as I am with you, no harm will come your way.
Demons are prowling everywhere Nowadays
There are many dangerous and harmful things out there in the world.
I'll send them howling
I will scare away all the dangerous things that might harm you.
I don't care
I am not afraid to fight against anything that might harm you.
I got ways
I have many ways to protect you from danger.
No one's gonna hurt you
I will not let anyone hurt or harm you in any way.
No one's gonna dare
Anyone who tries to harm you will face the consequences and back off immediately.
Others can desert you
Other people may abandon or betray you, but I won't.
Not to worry
There is nothing to worry about, because I am here to protect you.
Whistle I'll be there
If you ever need me, just call for me and I will be there for you.
Demons'll charm you with a smile
Dangerous things may appear friendly or harmless at first.
For a while
They might succeed in deceiving you for some time.
But in time
Eventually, their true nature will be revealed and they will not be able to harm you.
Not to worry, not to worry
Do not stress or fear, everything will be alright.
I may not be smart
I may not be the most intelligent person, but
But I ain't dumb
I am not foolish or ignorant either.
I can do it
I am capable and able to protect you from harm.
Put me to it
Give me the chance to show you my skills and abilities to protect you.
Show me something I can overcome
Give me a challenge that I can overcome and protect you from.
Not to worry, Mum
Do not worry, Mother.
Being close and being clever
Being physically or mentally smart are not the most important things,
Ain't like being true
But being loyal and honest is the most important quality of all.
I don't need to
I do not need to keep secrets or hide things from you.
I would never
I would never betray or deceive you.
Hide a thing from you
I will always be honest and open with you about everything.
Darling, not while I'm around
You are safe and protected, my dear, as long as I am with you.
Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.