All That I Ask
Jonathan Something Lyrics

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You came to me in a feverish dream
With the smell on your breath of another
Let me down softly I’m begging you please
For I need now a friend more than ever

All that I ask is a dance in the dark
With a woman who knows me like you do
All that I ask for is light when I’m lost

Not some magical syncretic voodoo

I heard a voice through a midwinter’s chill
Saying “carry yourself through the weather”
Wouldn’t you know it, the spring, when it came
Then my feet felt as light as a feather

All that I ask is a dance in the dark
With a woman who knows me like you do
All that I ask is for light when I’m lost
Not some magical syncretic voodoo

I took a walk through a memory past
From a bridge, spitting into the water
That day to me was the coming of Christ
And you were the savior’s daughter

All that I ask is a dance in the dark
With a woman who knows me like you do

All that I ask for is light when I’m lost
Not some magical syncretic voodoo [x2]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Jonathan Something's song "All That I Ask" delve deep into themes of longing, emotional connection, and finding solace in tumultuous times. The opening lines describe a dream-like encounter with someone who carries the scent of another person on their breath, possibly indicating a feeling of betrayal or heartache. The desperation in the singer's plea to be let down gently suggests a deep need for comfort and understanding during a difficult period.

The repeated refrain of "All that I ask is a dance in the dark, with a woman who knows me like you do" speaks to the desire for intimacy and companionship that goes beyond mere physicality. The singer seeks someone who truly understands them on a deep level, providing emotional light in moments of darkness rather than relying on superficial or mystical solutions. This longing for genuine connection is palpable throughout the song, portraying a yearning for authentic human connection in a world that can feel isolating.

The mention of a voice guiding the singer through tough times, encouraging them to persevere through difficult experiences, highlights a sense of resilience and inner strength. The arrival of spring brings a sense of renewal and lightness to the singer's steps, symbolizing a metaphorical rebirth or newfound optimism after a period of darkness and struggle. The imagery of feet feeling as light as a feather suggests a newfound sense of freedom and ease after navigating through challenging circumstances.

The final verse alludes to a significant moment in the singer's past, where a personal revelation or epiphany occurred, likening it to a religious experience. The reference to the savior's daughter implies a sense of salvation or redemption through the presence of a certain individual, possibly the person the singer longs to connect with on a deeper level. Ultimately, the lyrics of "All That I Ask" encapsulate a yearning for emotional connection, understanding, and light amidst darkness, emphasizing the importance of genuine human relationships over superficial or magical solutions.

Line by Line Meaning

You came to me in a feverish dream
You appeared to me in a passionate dream

With the smell on your breath of another
With the lingering scent of someone else on you

Let me down softly I’m begging you please
Be gentle with me, I implore you

For I need now a friend more than ever
I need a friend now more than ever

All that I ask is a dance in the dark
I only ask for a dance in the darkness

With a woman who knows me like you do
With someone who understands me like you do

All that I ask for is light when I’m lost
All I request is guidance when I'm confused

Not some magical syncretic voodoo
Not some mystical fusion of beliefs

I heard a voice through a midwinter’s chill
I heard a voice in the cold of winter

Saying 'carry yourself through the weather'
Advising me to handle the challenges

Wouldn’t you know it, the spring, when it came
And when spring eventually arrived