As Long As He Needs Me
Lionel Bart/Shani Wallis Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

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'll 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 song "As Long As He Needs Me" from Oliver!, is a heartfelt ballad sung by the character of Nancy expressing her loyalty and unwavering love for Bill Sikes, despite his abuse and mistreatment towards her. The lyrics depict a woman who is deeply devoted to her partner regardless of his flaws and mistreatment towards her. She is convinced that no one else would love him like she does and that he needs her despite his apparent disregard and mistreatment towards her. Though she misses him when he is gone, she puts on a brave face when he is around, hiding her intense feelings and portraying a strong spirit.

Nancy acknowledges that Bill does not treat her with the love and respect she deserves, yet she continues to play along with how he acts because she loves him. Her love for him is so intense that she is willing to endure the abuse and torment, ignoring the warnings of those around her that she is being foolish to trust and love him. She remains steadfast in her devotion, placing her partner's needs above her own, and vows to be loyal to him even when others are urging her to leave.

Overall, "As Long As He Needs Me" is a poignant and evocative ballad that illustrates the depths of hope and loyalty that one can have for their partner, even in the face of abusive and harmful treatment. It is a song that portrays the difficulties of love and its ability to create hope and devotion amidst challenging circumstances.

Line by Line Meaning

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

Oh, yes, he does need me
I know he needs me, despite what others may see.

In spite of what you see
Despite what others may think or perceive.

I'm sure that he needs me
I am certain that he needs me.

Who else would love him still?
Who else would continue to love him even after he has been mistreated?

When they've been used so ill
After they have been mistreated so terribly.

He knows I always will
He knows that I will always love him.

I miss him so much
I long for him when he is away.

When he is gone
When he is not by my side.

But when he's near me
When he is close to me.

I don't let on
I do not show how I truly feel.

The way I feel inside
The love that I feel inside.

The love I have to hide
The love that I must keep hidden.

The hell, I've got my pride
I am proud and will not let anyone else see my vulnerability.

He doesn't say the things he should
He does not express his feelings openly.

He acts the way he thinks he should
He behaves according to his own beliefs.

But all the same
Regardless of his behavior.

I'll play this game
I will continue to love him and stay by his side.

I know where I must be
I understand that I need to be with him.

I'll cling on steadfastly
I will hold on tightly to him.

As long as life is long
For as long as I live.

I'll love him, right or wrong
I will continue to love him, regardless of any mistakes he may make.

And somehow, I'll be strong
I will find the strength to endure.

If you are lonely
If you have ever been lonely.

Then you will know
Then you understand.

When someone needs you
The feeling of being needed by someone.

You'll love them so
That love will be so strong.

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

Though people say I must
Even if others pressure me to do so.

I've got to stay true just
I must remain loyal and true to him.

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

No Related Genres

More Genres

No Artists Found

More Artists Load All

No Albums Found

More Albums Load All

No Tracks Found

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@lucyrooney992

5y↑75

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 she 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

@noradeny4828

2y↑7

Lyrics:
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 gone 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.

All comments from YouTube:

@1Cheytown

3y↑332

It just pisses me off to no end that Shani was not even nominated for an Oscar for this...she was BRILLIANT in this role and captures the essence of Nancy.

@webdesigngiants2106

2y↑12

Shani Wallice was excellent! I totally agree,

@marypettyfer4640

2y↑6

Thats not fair incredible performance 👏

@kazkazzie3906

2y↑11

Definately should have been nominated. Shani was fantastic in this role. Brilliant singer, dancer and actress.

@TR4SHYED1TS

43w↑3

I know that Jack was nominated for supporting actor, but I think they both should have been nominated and both should have won.
Edit: sorry I missed someone, Ron moody was also nominated

@christopher-ke9nj

29w

Reminds, me of Judy The Man that Got Away

7 More Replies...

@flower2364

8y↑826

She acted and sang this song beautifully. It really moved me as a child when I first saw this performance and now that I am 56 it still does. What a performance. Nothing since has touched it.

@DonQwantsyou

8y↑1

+Heather Mallard was Wallis a singer as well?

@DonQwantsyou

8y↑5

+Erika Jones that's right, I saw the movie also as a child and I'm also 56 today

@arielvillademayo

8y↑1

+Erika Jones The movie have almost 48 years. Heather have 56 y.o. So she had 8 y.o. when the movie released. She was a child like she said.

@ElizabethLilley

8y↑7

+Erika Jones Of course it does, Heather was born in 1959 or 1960. I was born in 1958 (am now 58). I remember vividly seeing Oliver in the theatre when it first came out and have been a fan of Shani Wallis ever since.

@msg238

8y↑1

+Erika Jones get a calculator.

7 More Replies...

@lynneforsyth8231

1y↑77

No matter where I am, the lyrics and her performance brings me to tears...it is absolutely incredible. Shani Wallis was the perfect choice for Nancy. Brilliant x The strength in her voice and yet she pulls it right back to that vulnerable woman perfectly.

@ailsadixon408

2y↑62

I can see and feel every moment of their relationship in this song. Every time she wrestled with leaving, every time she saw a glimpse of care or tenderness and it changed her mind. Ever time she forgave and every time she thought she would die. Shani Wallis was absolutely perfect, she will always be my Nancy. A magnificent and definitely Oscar worthy performance.

@cookieanon7794

5y↑570

I love how hesitant she is to sing the words, almost as if she’s desperately trying to justify Bill’s acts of violence towards her.

@Wellch

3y↑8

Bill was an abuser of women and children.

@dextergavin6950

3y↑1

i realize it's pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to watch newly released movies online ?

@jacksonparker810

3y↑1

@Dexter Gavin I watch on Flixzone. You can find it by googling =)

@kichiwas-hargan4775

2y↑4

Dude, nothing justifies violence.

@viptolomey9165

2y↑3

@@kichiwas-hargan4775 where did he say anything justifies violence?

7 More Replies...

@10spw33

3y↑52

I don't think think anybody has ever come close to reproducing the quality Shani Wallis achieved as Nancy her pitch and deliberate London twang is impeccable in my opinion anyway mind blowing performance xxxxxxxxxxxxx

@kevindunham3669

14w↑2

She was born in Tottenham

@emilygooner9697

Best thing to come out of Tottenham

@helenhortin7059

8y↑435

This song really bored me as a child ! Now I can't stop listening to it, beautiful :)

@idontsurf1

8y↑22

haha me too. i think at 10 i didn't have enough life experience :o

@BadgerBotherer1

8y↑27

I loved it as a child, and I still do.

@donmason4924

4y↑4

My god grew up with this.wat a sòng was incredibly b4 its time

@dreastas2200

3y↑7

The whole end of film did me till I was older most great musicals start funny happy end tragedy
Funny girl
Westside story
Sound of music
Carousel
All of em

@cjrogers9060

3y↑8

Aye, me too. Just like "Cheer Up Charlie" in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971).

8 More Replies...

@tomosborne3437

2y↑34

What a voice, and what a legacy Shani Wallis has left in that role. Her performance is heartbreaking and raw. The best Nancy there has ever been!

@randyglasner3978

29w↑11

The combination of John Green’s orchestration and Shani Wallis makes this truly a unique and absolutely gut wrenching performance. The original arrangement is nothing compared to this. As a classical musician myself the string parts in this orchestration are brilliant particularly the cello parts are glorious. Can’t say enough, only that whenever I watch or listen to any other performance of this song it pales in comparison to this masterpiece. One of my all time favorites of great movie music moments!

@annadau8612

8y↑429

To me, Shani Wallis does not merely sing this heart-wrenching song.. She puts herself in the shoes of Nancy Sykes and does so beautifully and perfectly. I have never watched this movie growing up but now looking at this scene, Shani does an excellent job in every aspect. She captures what Nancy is.. A horribly abused woman who is in love with a dangerous man. Thank you for sharing this video with us!

@generalhorse493

8y↑14

It's even more sad when we look back to when the movie first shows them together and it's implied that they did love each other once...

@strakes69

8y↑8

you should watch it. one of my favourite childhood films, idea for films just aren't the same these days

@rebeccascowcroft

What film is that?

@strakes69

8y↑3

Oliver..........Oliver twist. "The musical version.". I think 196...something

@janetgeoghegan2618

7y↑3

Del Strakes 1968 when Shani was 31 years old

6 More Replies...

@lizziedssg8643

2y↑48

Her performance absolutely blew me away when I was 10 years old.

@MrDuffy61

2y↑5

In my opinion the best Nancy.❤️❤️

@bobareebop

3y↑48

That key change near the end really gives the song energy. Great arrangement by John Green.

@MrDaiseymay

2y↑7

I loved the reverberating sound bouncing off the walls, and the babbling broook at the end too, FANTASTIC ARRANGEMENT

@sgtdroxie

4y↑24

Beautiful movie and nuanced performance! She definitely owned this role with her incredible interpretation. It's moving and unforgettable.

@stevenzumbrun6105

2y↑16

I love the shot of her walking behind the dirty, broken windowpanes--it tells the story visually.

@michaelcornett444

7y↑180

I once heard something about how more singers need acting lessons and this is a perfect illustration. She not only sings it well technically, she communicates her character's viewpoint (and coming fate) so perfectly, decades before words like "co-dependent" and "toxic relationship" became part of the lingo. A touching, heartrending song. Compare this to so many other singers out there who sing the song well but you can tell they don't mean a word of what they're singing....

@elamplough1

7y↑8

Exactly! The way the actress sings this song helps you genuinely feel for her character.

@bryanabriz508

7y↑3

elamplough1 well it's different for the stage as you are singing live. On film it's a bit easier as you don't have to worry about sounding well. On stage it's both feeling and sound. I'm sure Shani was able to sing with true emotion either way.

@williamsnyder5616

6y↑4

If you can find it, Michael, there's an interview somewhere on Youtube with Shani Wallis where she explains her interpretation of Nancy in this song. It is enlightening and really goes along a lot with what you wrote.

@miac1379

6y↑2

William Snyder yes I have found it! https://youtu.be/SfqWAQcXx2A

@djkmusic60

4y↑4

yep, you nailed this one on the head. she and the orchestrator made this into a three-part story to where you actually understand the abuse. The first is confusion. The second part is is angered her situation, and the third is resolve... my life is what it is and I've got to make the best of it. it's all I've got.

2 More Replies...

@xoio

8y↑119

Such a shame that Shani didn't attain the mega-stardom she so deserved.

@elamplough1

7y↑11

She became a great success. Shani Wallis is well-known for her West End roles in America and is also a patron of a theatre charity called The Music Hall Guild of Great Britain and America.
Hollywood "mega-stardom" isn't for everyone so Shani mostly stuck with theatre, and was still in some films after Oliver too. She was the voice of Lady Mouse in Basil The Great Mouse Detective!

@The101genco

7y↑7

Shani did deserve an award. Best Nancy EVER!!!

@joannelively9934

2y↑10

Absolutely smashes this song nobody not even Judy Garland sings it as fabulously as Shani Wallis

@1Cheytown

Actually I sort of hear a Judyesq quality to Shani's tone. I think Judy coulda done a great job on this song.

@stopmessinabout4259

46w

@@1Cheytown Judy Garland did sing it! You can find it on YouTube. I love both their versions! Two very talented ladies!

@helenajesstarzak1408

23w

I agree with you even though I am a big Judy Garland fan

@macs7641

6y↑62

A movie strewn with outstanding performances, direction, choreography, cinematography and production, musical composition, orchestration and arrangement . There aren't enough awards to cover the outstanding contributions made by the huge cast and crew in this movie.

@aminsadeghpour1549

6y↑62

Although this has been one of my favorite musicals since I was 7 years old when I was very little I really could not comprehend the meaning of this song
Now that I am older I understand perfectly what this song is telling us. It is basically saying that Nancy knew Bill Sykes was a brutal man but she could not stop loving him, in spite of what he is doing to her

@kristinehatkinson7323

4y↑8

As an abused wife, from a lifetime ago-- it's the minor phrasing of the violins in the end that makes you shrink and cry. "When someone needs you, you love them so" and the heroic music making it all so PC.
Took a while to understand VICTIM was written on my t-shirt front and back. Sometimes you need an alternative. Without one, you fall into the pit.

@gailmail8171

5y↑68

I can relate to this heart-rending song because I've stood in her place , but I was able to get out alive.

@aminsadeghpour1549

4y↑5

How did you get out? was it difficult.

If you don't want to talk about it i perfectly understand.

@gingaddict

2y↑1

There are organisations that can help in that situation. Like for example, during the lockdown my mum saw this lonely woman outside and she told her of her situation and mum offered her a beverage as they waited for the people as they told her to go to the hotel that was next door to us.

@jilltrenholme8235

My mam been dead years was her song to my dad cant remember original singer

@gordonhaire9206

2y↑4

I'm a stoic kind of guy, but this version of this song brings tears.

@michelleyoung7957

8y↑95

Shani Wallis sang this so powerfully ... first class.

@ianman15

4y↑8

To this day I feel Shani Wallis should have at least been nominated for an Academy Award as her role as Nancy in "Oliver!".

@1Cheytown

3y↑3

Agreed!! One of the biggest crimes she wasn’t even recognized

@ex-cabincrew

7y↑71

A performance that can never be matched.

@foxteen8721

2y↑10

This is a clever change of pace of this story. Act 1 is Oliver's story, and then Act 2 changes it to Nancy's story.

@larrydirtybird

6y↑29

This is my personal favorite female solo song of any musical movie that I have ever seen, and I've seen 'em all. The camerawork and screen compositions are exquisite, too.

@MrGLites

Uh, with the exception of most of Diana Ross' songs in Lady Sings the Blues.

@juliawilkinson

1y↑13

What an amazing and classic rendition of this song...I don't think I'd like anyone's version better. Shani Wells is wonderful...yes, I think she deserves a retroactive Oscar! Thank you for uploading these beautiful songs.

@TR4SHYED1TS

27w↑1

The reoccurring melody in the chorus is so beautiful, and topped with Shani’s, beautiful voice, it makes this in my opinion, one of the best songs in the whole film!

@user-mn4kg3jb4j

36w↑1

I have always loved the beautiful and extremely talented actress, singer, dancer, and entertainer Shani Wallis! Shani Wallis should have won the Golden Globe Award, the Academy Award, and the BAFTA Award for best actress for her brilliant portrayal of Nancy! It should be Dame Shani Wallis! I was born in 1978. The 1968 classic movie Oliver! is perfect and one of my favorite movies of all time! I love it! Thank you for posting and sharing this classic movie musical number!

@coffeeandcommunism2952

5y↑40

Makes you feel sorry for her, she’s so in love with him that she’ll defend him no matter what he does. She can’t leave him, and it’s the only life she knows, she’s accepting her fate.

@derynsmith9502

3y↑2

*rips heart out and sets it at her feet

@virginiastock5518

6y↑35

The best Nancy ever.

@cjrogers9060

Okay Karen...

@stevecallum2951

7y↑217

the best Nancy ever. and that murder scene at the end, although in a different setting to the original novel, was still brutal and violent. the west end version showed this as if they were selling candy to kids. pathetic in comparison. I remember when I played Oliver, my first taste of professional theatre at the age of 11, I was terrified during this scene on stage. Seeing Nancy being bashed across her blood stained head repeatedly and her blood curdling scream....My Nancy came a close second for me to Shank Wallis, and I'm still friends with her today. she married her Bill Sykes funnily enough and now has two grown kids of her own ( shows my age now lol.). great show, great character and Shani played her spot on.

@abberthedabberyoyo7031

7y↑2

Steven Baddeley I

@gs8388

Ah, Bernie wasn’t so bad…

@traciebecker6669

3y↑6

Fabulous film! I was only 11 when I first saw it and I have watched it many times since and Iwatched it last week. Such a tragic story but such wonderful talent went in to the making of this classic musical.

@doloresdemar2347

I just turned 10 when I seen this in Theater in 11/68

@stevenmorris2234

6y↑24

This movie moved me so much when I was a kid and to this day the movie brings me so much goosebumps.

Wow what a voice. To me this will always be my absolute favourite version of Oliver and a incredible musical one at that.

@ajg2558

5y↑26

Shani Wallis was amazing in this!

@johnvollmar8414

4y↑11

Still lovely 52 years later.....

@ScrapNfight

5y↑69

The brilliance of the song is not only Shani Wallis's heart wrenching interpretation of the song but what composer/arranger John Green does with the song. Listen to the repeated theme under the song he composed and injects starting at 2:31. It's a gallows theme as if Nancy is going to her harrowing fate.

@neileinleger4762

3y↑9

that dissonant string line..brilliant!

@djdissi

51w

I've I noticed that before, quite recently, so glad you mentioned it. It's very dark actually... the underlayer is twisted, frantic and unhinged, and juxtaposes her more naive take on her dilemma. It's pretty brilliant and quite sophisticated for a family musical. At one point later, it's like it has this dialogue with her. As it to say in a sympathetic yet begging tone, "I understand, yes, but you must go. Now". Agree, John Green created a very clever musical piece here, on a deeper psychological level than anything else in the movie - and for a family musical mind you - about the complexities of domestic abuse, and deserves more credit. I'd say Green was ahead of his time, but i could be wrong

@ScrapNfight

51w↑1

@@djdissi They gave him the Oscar for it.

@ScrapNfight

51w

@@djdissi It's a brilliant piece of scoring.

@Ar1o_Tr4sh_P4nda

50w

That bit brings tears to my eyes, the ascent is like her ascent to ‘heaven’ if you believe in that, it just makes me feel so sad for her.

4 More Replies...

@alcudiababe1

4y↑29

Shes trauma bonded to him.
"As long as he needs me..."
In a horribly abusive relationship, shes sadly loyal and true to him because, "when you are lonely then you will know - when someone needs you, you love them soooooo..." Sadly, he doesn't feel the same way. He kills her. 😭😭😭 She gives me goosebumps everytime she sings this - this is how to beautifully act and sing at the same time

@lorrainesmith4279

6y↑48

I'm an East End cockney and she sings this song beautifully.....and the accent is okay too.

@sarahford5532

3y↑13

I never understood this song as a child but after being a survivor of a violent, toxic and a shove marriage that I left a few years ago, I totally understand! I’m just glad I got out before I story ended like hers.

@Pequin1000

6y↑17

This is how you do it. Perfect, every last drop of every heart wrenching ounce of every passion ever felt.

@Poetic_Justice1962

8y↑47

In more ways than one, this is a masterpiece of nature and art.

@lily-rosewilliamson4649

5y↑54

Just found out I’m Nancy in my drama school yay!!

@Sandlot1992

22w↑1

whenever we think of this song, it always reminds us of how (though I mean the girls who grew up in the 2000s) we felt when former child actor Evan Ellingson passed away! and yet they still had a crush on him and will truly miss him!

@urakunt866

3y↑6

Amazing performance

@JulieReidDaboubi

7y↑30

i was born in 1970. the first time I heard this song was when we did the Oliver Twist musical in elementary school. I was in the 4th grade. this particular song is so memorable it brings years to my eyes. what a masterpiece.

@elizabethhoskings5049

2y↑3

It reminds me of my own screwed up relationship. Can't stop listening to it right now

@lucyrooney992

5y↑75

@clementwang7097

4y↑4

How sad.

@seannaylor5803

1y↑3

When I first heard this, I thought it was about Oliver and Nancy. Only when she says "He doesn't say the things he should. He acts the way he thinks he should", I learnt she was talking about Bill.

@lacurronec3815

4y↑5

Bill didn't deserve Nancy. She deserved so much better.

@Kameleonic

6y↑17

This song and emotion has been with me throughout most of my life, and that is special.

@gymrachel

7y↑16

beautifully performed from the heart

@margretsims1322

6y↑16

Just love this song; she was phenomenal!

@JoshBG20

5y↑6

Such a Beautiful song by a Beautiful Woman and to this day at 85 still Beautiful!

@margretsims1322

7y↑9

Love, love this movie.....her voice is marvelous!

@robnewman6101

2y↑3

Nancy opened her love heart to Oliver.

@christopherlundgren3499

2y↑1

Shanni Wallis was beautiful, fantastic, sympathetic, etc.... Wonderful!

@MoonOverYou

6y↑8

Well said, Anna Hanson. I saw "Oliver!" in 1968, when it was just released. I was just six years old. Shani Wallis tore my heart out with this song, and her character Nancy's murder horrified me. Maybe I saw it as an omen of my future (and now past) husband who beat me unmercifully--who knows. I also identified with the title character played so well by Mark Lester, who at that time was close to my age. Loneliness and abuse: I experienced them both, as a child and as a young woman.

@ruthcrumpton3393

5y↑3

I'm glad he's an 'ex'. Good for you.

@scottmurphy650

20w↑1

This was a truly wonderful movie. Shani Wallis was brilliant in her role as Nancy.

@caitlin853

2y↑3

I’m doing a school play of Oliver this christmas. I’m auditioning for Nancy and I’m gonna sing this in my audition. Pray for me

@xxellehinch

whod you get?

@caitlin853

1y↑1

@@xxellehinch I’m Nancy. 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 the first show is literally in 2 days. I’m nervous

@xxellehinch

@@caitlin853 omg congrats! break a leg you’ll do so well

@caitlin853

1y↑1

@@xxellehinch thank you so much

@erictull2089

7y↑53

I read that Elizabeth Taylor turned down the role of Nancy - Thank Goodness she did. Love you Shani Wallis still a beautiful lady at 80.

@The101genco

6y↑6

Shani will actually be 85 this year.

@vincentlem2534

7y↑6

My favourite song in this movie. My mum to me to see it at the theatre. Thank you Shani for your wonderful talent. You were Nancy!
Yours truly, Vincent

@tarynbaker7657

2y↑2

This is my favorite musical and i love this moment

@deed8963

5y↑5

Watched the movie again a few days ago and remembered how much I loved this song and the way she performed it.

@tarynbaker7657

1y↑1

many wonderful singers have taken this song on but for me Shani Wallis is it. She owns this song. She rips your heart out, her heart out singing it.

@MichelleMybelle61

7y↑3

watched when i was a child in 68..then sang the songs in our music lessons..happy days

@carolwestlifeshanefan67mil48

3y↑5

Never gets old 👍🙏❤

@poppyharris7052

7y↑12

I remember when I very first got this video, not knowing really what to expect from Shani Wallis... But she blew me away with her portrayal of Nancy! Amazing actress!!

@jennaroseblooming

2y↑9

thank you so much for posting!! one of the greatest musical performances ever, thankfully captured to film. love that there are only maybe 3 cuts in the whole scene, from 3:03 to 4:45 is one continuous shot while Shani is walking around the entire set, finding her perfect light on every mark. when you are shooting that performance, you don't cut away! this is true talent, and one of my all-time favorite musical numbers for its melody, heart-wrenching lyrics and emotional depth that takes a hell of a woman to perform it well

@medusainarcadia1

3y↑1

It's the Penultimate song for those of is who love someone who can't or won't love us back. Poor Nancy. We feel you, girl. Rest easy

@cricketbat09

8y↑12

cor blimey, that's a bloomin' great song

@laurakiddy5405

8y↑19

Best heart felt song in the movie

@whiteyboy6454

49w↑1

Gift to the world!

@JoshBG20

3y↑5

I love how the music builds up @2:38-2:56 while she's walking down the stairs

@hafsahamin8732

3y↑1

She is such a good singer and actor! She is so talented I am a big & GREAT fan of her. I love her xx! Best Nancy ever!!

@ameliacrane2881

7y↑11

This is the best singer there is for this song! ;D

@whiteyboy6454

49w↑1

Love Ms Wallis. Gorgeous on Gunsmoke in 73'

@serendavies7375

2y↑2

Nancy is my favourite character 🥺

@Australia._

2y↑2

Beautiful.

@billydeeuk

6y↑6

If you are lonely then you will know, when someone needs you, you’ll love them so....

@bronwyndoyle1403

6y↑7

So beautifully tragic. I choke up just listening to her sing this—this is truly HER song.
The cycle of the abused woman but she sure loves ‘er Bill’.

@ducter2001

48w↑1

Great orchestration throughout this number.

@missbel1797

4y↑3

Beautiful, classical beauty

@fakerating

1y↑1

Amazing vocal, and amazing orchestrations...

@virginiastock5518

9y↑8

Wonderful song.

@cuthbertcollingwood6755

2y↑1

Etched in my Brain, Lovely to hear it again.

@dwightbydaylight5877

4y↑1

My Gran use to sing this song she passed away of pancreatic cancer in 2014 and this song reminds me of her

@PoshLifeforME

7y↑23

Bless the predicament and all that face it.

@gaillindley

4y↑2

This song reminds me of when my dad died & my mam missed him so very much they were together for 55 yrs if you add the courting together but they knew each other for twelve years before that . Loved my Mam & Dad so much cherished eversion second ❤

@americaroleplayer

Uhhh. . . . this song's pretty fucked up in-context, my dude.

@SqueakyPob

31w↑1

Goosebumps. So, so beautiful and sad. Heard it first when I was 4.

@geminis4284

5y↑2

Shani wallis, the best nancy without question, but Judy Garland version of this song, total perfection.

@The101genco

8y↑16

I love love love Shani Wallis as Nancy <3

@claireholland9383

5y↑1

Oliver's my favourite musical

@CliffordXHA1

9y↑14

a masterpiece

@kellimaclearn4851

50w↑3

I tried to cling on to my ex even though he gaslighted and emotionally abused me even when he said “The spark died” but now I’m single and healing now

@JWD80A21

I was in this show in our town theater group. This song has been with me since 1988. The big that played Oliver back then, in our version, is now quite famous.