You Must Love Me
Madonna Lyrics


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Where do we go from here?
This isn't where we intended to be
We had it all
You believed in me, I believed in you
Certainties disappear
What do we do? For our dream to survive?
How do we keep, all our passions alive
As we used to do?

Deep in my heart, I'm concealing
Things that I'm longing to say
Scared to confess, what I'm feeling
Frightened you'll slip away
You must love me, you must love me
You must love me

Why are you at my side?
How can I be, any use to you now?
Give me a chance, and I'll let you see how
Nothing has changed

Deep in my heart, I'm concealing
Things that I'm longing to say
Scared to confess, what I'm feeling
Frightened you'll slip away




You must love me, you must love me
You must love me

Overall Meaning

Madonna's song "You Must Love Me" was written specifically for her portrayal of Eva Peron in the film adaptation of the musical "Evita". The song represents the moment when Eva realizes that her time is running out and she confesses to Juan Peron that she is scared and concealing her true feelings, but still needs his love and validation. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of holding on to dreams and passions through turbulent times and seeking the support and understanding of those we love.


The opening lines, "Where do we go from here? This isn't where we intended to be. We had it all. You believed in me, I believed in you. Certainties disappear. What do we do? For our dream to survive? How do we keep, all our passions alive as we used to do?", suggest a sense of confusion and disillusionment in the face of unexpected obstacles. Eva acknowledges that the couple's dream may fail if they do not work together, but she also pleads for them to reconnect with their passion for each other.


The chorus, "Deep in my heart, I'm concealing things that I'm longing to say. Scared to confess what I'm feeling, frightened you'll slip away. You must love me", further emphasizes Eva's vulnerability and fear of losing her partner. Through her words, she is subtly reminding him of their love and urging him to stay committed to her. The song's final lines, "Why are you at my side? How can I be, any use to you now? Give me a chance, and I'll let you see how. Nothing has changed", further drive home the point that despite their struggles, Eva still believes in their love and desires to rekindle it.


Line by Line Meaning

Where do we go from here?
What direction should we take now?


This isn't where we intended to be
Things didn't go as planned


We had it all
We were once in control and happy


You believed in me, I believed in you
We had faith in each other


Certainties disappear
Things become uncertain


What do we do? For our dream to survive?
How can we make sure our shared goal remains achievable?


How do we keep, all our passions alive
How do we maintain our enthusiasm for each other and our goals?


As we used to do?
Like we did in the past.


Deep in my heart, I'm concealing
I'm hiding something inside me


Things that I'm longing to say
Words I wish to express but keep inside


Scared to confess, what I'm feeling
Afraid to reveal my true emotions


Frightened you'll slip away
Terrified you'll leave me


You must love me, you must love me
I need your love and devotion


Why are you at my side?
What's your reason for being with me?


How can I be, any use to you now?
I feel that I could no longer be of help to you


Give me a chance, and I'll let you see how
Allow me an opportunity to show you what I can do


Nothing has changed
Things are still the same between us


You must love me, you must love me
I need your love and devotion




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Tim Rice

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@RDrRD1989

One of the most beautiful songs ever written... Madonna's voice is so emotional.
Her 1997 Oscars Performance of this song was brilliant.

@jessefrost6375

RDrD1983 I agree! But the Sticky & Sweet tour performance of YMLM was so much better ((my opinion))

@hikerchicmerlot7424

she sings with so much vulnerability and emotion...I forgot how much i liked this song. Well the whole soundtrack, actually.

@RDrRD1989

@HikerChic Merlot So nicely put. That is why I love her voice❤

@xxxTIN0xxx

@Jesse Frost I agree. Her live version in 2008 is the best by far.

@cy1841

She sings with so much passion, appealing to the audience....simply unsurpassed!

2 More Replies...

@kimma508

When this song played during the movie is when I started crying. It was so beautifully done and you could feel the emotions. I have been a Madonna fan since the 80s and I am still a fan in 2020.

@chrisgross5409

kimma508 such a beautiful song

@Mr.EmeraldTheGreen

Me too, I liked her when her first record came out, and think she nailed this role, this film, and the soundtrack! This is my favorite song on this record, but I rarely listen to it, for it always make me cry...

@kimma508

@Mr. Emerald The Green I have been a fan of Madonna’s since the 80s as well. Whenever she came to Philly I went to her concerts. Madonna shined in Evita. She was amazing and I left the movie theater crying.

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