Her self-titled debut album, Mathilde Santing, came out in 1982 and she gas released well over fifteen studio albums since, most of them sung in English, although she sometimes performs and records in her mother tongue as well. Known for her whispery and vulnerable vocal style, Santing is a prominent gay role model in The Netherlands. She sang at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam.
Santing's biggest chart success came in 1999 with the lush ballad 'Wonderful Life', which hit #6 in the Dutch Top 40. The song was taken from the 1999 album To Others To One, which is her highest charting album in her native Netherlands to date, reaching #4 in the Dutch album charts.
That's All
Mathilde Santing Lyrics
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And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all
That's all
I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter night
That's all
That's all
'cause there are those who have told you
They would give you the whole wide world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love time can never destroy
So if you're wondering what I'm asking in return
You'll be glad to hear my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and ever more
That's all
That's all
The lyrics to Mathilde Santing's song "That's All" express a simple but powerful message about the nature of love and relationships. The opening lines suggest a sense of humility and romanticism, as the singer offers nothing grandiose or materialistic, but instead, promises to share the beauty of nature and to be a supportive presence throughout the changing seasons. The repetition of the phrase "That's all" reinforces the idea that these simple gestures are truly enough to sustain a fulfilling relationship.
As the song continues, the singer deepens their commitment, offering not only eternal love but also the promise of being there whenever their loved one reaches out. The line "a love whose burning light will warm the winter night" is particularly striking, as it envisions their love as a source of comfort and sustenance in times of darkness and cold. Contrasting themselves with those who would offer the "whole wide world for a toy," the singer emphasizes that their love is grounded in genuine, intimate connection rather than superficial displays of wealth or status.
Ultimately, the singer seeks only one thing in return: that their loved one will return their affection, and commit to being with them "now and ever more." The song's simplicity and sincerity make it a timeless expression of the enduring nature of love, and the power of small gestures to create profound connection and meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
I can only give you country walks in springtime
I can offer nothing grand or extravagant, just simple pleasures of nature like walking in springtime fields
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
I'll be there to comfort you when you need it, especially during tough times that signify the end of things
And the only heart I own
My feelings of love and commitment are genuine and come from the depths of my soul
For you and you alone
I am devoted to you and you alone - no one else will capture my heart
That's all
These few things are all that I have to offer, but they come with a lot of love and care
I can only give you love that lasts forever
My love for you is timeless and will never diminish or fade with the passage of time
And the promise to be near each time you call
I am committed to always being there for you, no matter what, and my devoted love will never waver
And a love whose burning light
The passion I feel for you is like a bright flame, igniting my soul with each glance and smile you bestow upon me
Will warm the winter night
Even in the coldest of seasons, our love will keep us warm and bring light to the darkest of nights
That's all
Though my love may seem simple and plain, it runs deep and has the power to bring us happiness and comfort
'cause there are those who have told you
Others may try to win your affection with grand gestures and flashy displays of wealth or power
They would give you the whole wide world for a toy
They may even offer you the world itself, treating it as though it were nothing more than a plaything to be manipulated
All I have are these arms to enfold you
All I can offer is the warmth and safety of my embrace, but know that it is given with all the love in my heart
And a love time can never destroy
Our love is so strong and enduring that not even the passing of time can weaken or undermine it
So if you're wondering what I'm asking in return
If you are curious as to what I seek or expect from you in exchange for my love, I will tell you now
You'll be glad to hear my demands are small
I require so little from you in return, since the joy and fulfillment that our love brings me are far more than enough
Say it's me that you'll adore
All I ask is that you love and cherish me above all others, making me the sole object of your affection and devotion
For now and ever more
Promise me that you will love me forever and always, even as time marches on and the years pass us by
That's all
These small requests are all I make, and if you can grant them, you will have my heart and soul forevermore
Contributed by Mackenzie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.