The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Not While I'm Around
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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not while i'm around
nothing's gonna harm you
no sir, not while i'm around
demons are prowling everywhere nowadays
i'll send them howling, i don't care, i've got ways
no one's gonna hurt you
no one's gonna dare,
not to worry, whistle i'll be there
demons'll charm you with a smile for awhile
but in time
nothing can harm you, not while i'm around.
being close and being clever
ain't like being true,
i don't need to, i would never
hide a thing from you
like some
no one's gonna hurt you
no one's gonna dare
others can desert you
not a worry, whistle i'll be there
demons'll charm you with a smile for awhile
but in time
nothing's gonna harm you
not while i'm around
not while i'm around
The song "Not While I'm Around" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is a heartwarming melody that tells the story of a person who is deeply committed to protect someone they love from harm. The song expresses the unconditional love and affection of the singer towards the person they care about. The lyrics suggest that the singer is willing to go to any length to ensure the safety of the person they love, even if it means defying demons who are prowling everywhere nowadays.
The song alludes to the fact that although demons might try to charm and harm the person they love, they won't succeed as long as the singer is around. The singer is confident about their ability to send the demons howling and stop them from causing any harm. Through their actions, the singer assures the person they care about that no one will hurt them because they will always be there to whistle for them.
Furthermore, the song suggests that loyalty, honesty, and truth are the foundation of a strong relationship. The singer vows to always be true and never hide anything from the person they care about, in contrast to others who may desert them. As the song progresses, it repeats the theme of nothing's gonna harm the person they love, not while the singer is around.
Overall, the song speaks to the universality of love and protection that transcends all boundaries among human beings, regardless of their backgrounds.
Line by Line Meaning
nothing's gonna harm you
I promise that you will be safe.
not while i'm around
As long as I'm here, no harm will come to you.
demons are prowling everywhere nowadays
There are many dangerous things in the world today.
i'll send them howling, i don't care, i've got ways
I will protect you from these dangers, no matter what it takes.
no one's gonna hurt you
I will make sure that no one can harm you.
no one's gonna dare,
No one would dare try to hurt you.
others can desert you
Other people may abandon you,
not to worry, whistle i'll be there
But don't worry, I will always be there for you.
demons'll charm you with a smile for awhile
Sometimes, dangerous things may seem friendly and harmless.
but in time
However, eventually,
nothing can harm you, not while i'm around.
I will always keep you safe, no matter what.
being close and being clever
Being near someone and being smart,
ain't like being true,
Doesn't necessarily mean that person is honest.
i don't need to, i would never
I don't need to be clever or hide anything from you.
hide a thing from you
I will always be truthful with you.
not a worry, whistle i'll be there
You don't need to worry, I will always be there for you.
not while i'm around
As long as you have me, you will always be safe.
Writer(s): Stephen Sondheim
Contributed by Victoria V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@BookAndLace
I was in the audience. One of the best nights of my life. Hearing her sing from Sweeney Todd live; never thought I'd have that blessing.
@sendtothisone
I heard that she insisted on this song since she was worried about how kids were fairing after the 9-11 attack 3 months before.
RIP ❤️
@emelio7995
Angela Lansbury still sing well despite of her age now and could still draw awe struck audiences with her wit and charm as a professional stage figure. I love this lady, really as a performer because she's unique!
@grahamlindsay5013
very nice, this is a lovely Stephen Sondheim song from Sweeney Todd. Its normally sung by a boy. Angela still has a lovely voice even in her advancing years.
@jerry3136
Just beautiful and so relaxing, goes right to ones soul.
@AtlantaGymFan
Ms Landsbury is the cream of Broadway melodies!
@ScottTeresi
This is officially a Christmas song now.
@uncleelroy2
Makes me cry EVERY time... brava wonderful lady!
@Bluedolphingirl01
So special to see Angela Lansburys talent. You can feel the spirit in the room. Your so lovely Angela and talented at any age.
@ladylaois8184
Absolutely beautiful class