Finding his voice in a school choir, Crawford began his professional career still a teenager. Having some luck on the London stage in the early 60s, he then found his way onto the BBC and starred in various programmes such as 'Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em'. He also had film roles in 'The War Lover', 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'. and 'How I Won the War' (which brought him into the same work as John Lennon).
Andrew Lloyd Webber's casting of him opposite Sarah Brightman and Steve Barton as the Phantom in 1986 shot his career into high gear. Winning a Tony Award for his role, Crawford also had the aforementioned tune, "The Music Of The Night", reach the British Top Ten. He has released several studio albums such as 'A Touch of Music in the Night' and 'On Eagle's Wings' among others.
Bring Him Home
Michael Crawford Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hear my prayer
In my need
You have always been there
He is young
He's afraid
Let him rest
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home
He's like the son I might have known
If God had granted me a son
The summers die
On my own
How soon they fly
On their own
And I am old
And will be gone
Bring him peace
Bring him joy
He is young
He is only a boy
You can take
You can give
Let him be
Let him live
If I die, let me die
Let him live
Bring him home
Bring him home
Bring him home
The song Bring Him Home is a powerful ballad from the musical Les Misérables, written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. The song is performed by the character Jean Valjean, who is asking God to bring back his adopted daughter's love, Marius, home safely from the barricades during the Paris Uprising of 1832. The lyrics start with a plea to God, mentioning how he has always been there for the singer in his moments of need. He then goes on to describe Marius, who is young, and afraid, but Heaven blessed, and asks God to bring him home.
The lyrics also reveal the deep paternal affection the character has for Marius, wishing him peace and joy. He refers to Marius as a son he might have known if God had granted him one. The character laments the passing of time, how soon time flies by and how he is old, and will be gone soon. The song ends with the character saying that if Marius lives, it would be a fitting tribute even if he himself were to die.
Overall, Bring Him Home is an emotional and heartfelt plea from a father figure to a higher power, asking for the safe return of someone he loves. The song reflects on the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a potent reminder of the value of human connection and the power of prayer.
Line by Line Meaning
God on high
Addressing to the Almighty power above.
Hear my prayer
Making a request to God to hear and answer the prayer.
In my need
During a tough and needy situation.
You have always been there
Thanking God for being always present as a support in life.
He is young
Referring to a young person in distress.
He's afraid
Pointing out that the person is frightened of something or situation.
Let him rest
Wishing for the young person to find peace and comfort.
Heaven blessed
Acknowledging the divine blessings.
Bring him home
Requesting to bring the young person home, possibly referring to afterlife.
Bring him home
Repeating the request.
Bring him home
Again requesting for the young person to be brought home.
He's like the son I might have known
The person is so dear that he could be considered similar to a son.
If God had granted me a son
Expressing a wish for having a son.
The summers die
Expressing the fleeting nature of time and youth through the metaphor of seasons.
On my own
Being in solitude, aging and preparing for death.
How soon they fly
Time passes very quickly, especially youth and happiness.
On their own
Solitude and being alone, away from family and dear ones.
And I am old
Acknowledging own aging and coming closer to the end of life.
And will be gone
Imagining one's own death.
Bring him peace
Asking for calm and tranquility for the young person.
Bring him joy
Requesting for the young person to find happiness.
He is young
Reiterating the youth of the person in question.
He is only a boy
Emphasizing that the young person is essentially not ready to cope with life's struggles.
You can take
An acceptance that the divine power can take life away.
You can give
Acknowledging that God can bestow life, fortune and happiness.
Let him be
Allowing the young person to proceed in life without obstacles or hardships.
Let him live
Requesting for the young person to have a full life.
If I die, let me die
Expressing the feeling that the life has been complete, and it's okay to die.
Let him live
Reaffirming the desire for the young person to lead a long, fulfilling life.
Bring him home
The final request to have the young person in heaven after the end of his life.
Bring him home
Repeating the request to let the young person rest in peace.
Bring him home
The final repetition of the request for the young person to find eternal peace after death.
Contributed by Caroline M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ant Dan
This is by far the best ever interpretation of this song. It's a masterpiece. He keeps control of his voice. I don't think most would understand what he has done as it almost sounds like he's crying. It's so easy to want to belt the song out. (Which is what everybody else does). But he manages to control every single note he keeps his voice low, and it sounds like a prayer, like someone broken, lost and caring as best they can. He captures the true essence and emotion of the song.
ALEXANDER WAHL
He has such a great Voice and i love every Performance of Mr Crawford.
𝔇𝔢𝔫𝔦𝔰𝔢
He is amazing! I love him! 😊 ❤️❤️❤️
Faith Thomas
I've heard better tenors sing, but none have quite captured the pleading emotion that Michael has here. So beautiful, makes me cry every time, love you Mr Crawford and you should have been honoured by the queen - but then again you are far too good and too special, and so much closer to God 💙💜🙏
martha mathes
Touches the inner soul, what an amazing voice Michael has..
Stephanie Finnigan
Love him his voice soothes me with his voice Michael Crawford he is sounding like a angel of the night
Shelby Sherman
Michael Crawford was simply the best Phantom ever, but this one is also a magnificent effort.
𝔇𝔢𝔫𝔦𝔰𝔢
I agree with you 100%; IMO, he was the best Phantom ever. Nobody can touch him as far as I’m concerned. 😊
Karen Pinson
To hear his voice at his age is such a blessing. He is amazing/phenomenal!
Anne Woodborne
So heartwarming. Beautiful soulful singing. Heartwringing lyrics.