Joni James was born Giovanna Joan Carmella Babbo on Sept. 22, 1930 in Chica… Read Full Bio ↴Joni James was born Giovanna Joan Carmella Babbo on Sept. 22, 1930 in Chicago, IL. In her early years, she studied drama & ballet. After high school she toured Canada with a dance group. After taking a job as a chorus girl, she decided to pursue a singing career. MGM executives saw her in a TV commercial and she was signed by MGM in 1952.

She was the first American singer to record at Abbey Road Studios in England. Her fan base even included Asia and the Philippines. She had 7 top hits, including "Why Don't You Believe in Me?", "Your Cheating Heart," "Almost Always," and "Have You Heard?"

She married composer Tony Acquaviva in 1956. In 1964, she dropped out of the public eye to take care of him and did so until 1986, when Mr. Acquaviva passed away. She began to tour again in the 1990's. She was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

As Long as He Needs Me
Joni James Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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
Inst
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 song "As Long as He Needs Me" by Joni James is a ballad about a woman who is deeply in love with a man and is willing to stay by his side as long as he needs her, no matter what. The lyrics reveal her loyalty and devotion to him, even in the face of disapproval or criticism from others. She is determined to stand by him and be his support, no matter what challenges they may face.

The first verse establishes the woman's commitment to her partner, declaring that she knows exactly where she needs to be for his sake. The second verse illustrates her willingness to love him unconditionally, without judgment, and stating that she will remain strong in her devotion for him, for the duration of her life. The third verse reassures that feelings of loneliness and the desire to be needed are universal, but when the person you love needs you, the connection is made unbreakable. The final verse speaks to the outside pressure on their relationship, as those around her are telling her to leave him, but despite everything, she remains devoted and will not break his trust, as long as he needs her.

Overall, the message of the song is one of selflessness, devotion, and unconditional love, especially during trying times. Despite the challenges, the woman will remain steadfast in her love and support for her partner, as long as he needs her.

Line by Line Meaning

As long as he needs me
I will be by his side for as long as he requires my presence

I know where I must be
I am aware that my place is next to him

I'll cling on steadfastly
I will hold onto him firmly

As long as life is long
For the entire time we are alive

I'll love him right or wrong
I will continue to love him regardless of any mistakes he makes

And somehow I'll be strong
I will find inner strength to support him

If you are lonely, then you will know
Those who are lonely understand the importance of being needed

When someone needs you, you love them so
When someone requires your presence, you love them deeply

I won't betray his trust
I will not break his confidence

Though people say I must
Even though others may expect me to

I've got to stay true
I must remain loyal