No Matter What
Norman Rossington Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Papa, do you think I'm...odd?
MAURICE
My daughter odd?
Where did you get an idea like that?
BELLE
I don't know.
It's just that, well, people talk.
MAURICE
They talk about me, too.
MAURICE
No, we're not odd, its true
No fam'ly ever saner
Except one uncle who...well, maybe let that pass
In all you say or do
You couldn't make it plainer
You are your mother's daughter; therefore you are class
BELLE
So I should just accept
I'm simply not like them
MAURICE
They are the common herd
And you should take my word
You are unique: creme de la creme
No matter what you do
I'm on your side
And if my point of view Is somewhat misty-eyed
There's nothing clearer in my life
Than what I wish and feel for you
And that's a lot...
No matter what
BELLE
No matter what they say
You make me proud I love the funny way
You stand out from the crowd
MAURICE
It's my intention my invention
Shows the world out there one day
Just what we've got...
BELLE
No matter what
MAURICE
Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate
BELLE
That ev'ry daughter's great?
MAURICE
You are!
BELLE
And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops
MAURICE
She pulls out all the stops
To praise him
BELLE
And quite rightly!
MAURICE
No matter what the pain
We've come this far I pray that you remain
Exactly as you are
This really is a case of father knowing best
BELLE
And daughter too!
MAURICE
You're never strange
BELLE
Don't ever change
BOTH
You've all I've got
No matter what.
The song "No Matter What" from the musical "Beauty and the Beast" is a heartwarming conversation between Belle and her father, Maurice. Belle is feeling out of place and odd because of how different she is perceived from others in her village. Maurice reassures her that being different is not a bad thing and that the way she is sets her apart from everyone else, which is a good thing. He tells her that her uniqueness, creativity, and individuality are things to be proud of and that he loves her, no matter what.
The lyrics of this song are emotionally powerful because they convey the deep bond between parent and child. They express the unconditional love of a father who is always there for his daughter no matter what. It reassures any listener who may be feeling out of place about their individuality that they are not alone and that they should be comfortable in their own skin. Additionally, the song illustrates that sometimes, individuals have to trust themselves and stand up for their beliefs, even if others do not agree with them.
Line by Line Meaning
My daughter odd?
Maurice is taken aback when his daughter Belle questions if she is odd.
Where did you get an idea like that?
Maurice is curious as to where Belle got the idea that she is odd.
It's just that, well, people talk.
Belle is concerned about what people say about her behind her back.
They talk about me, too.
Maurice highlights to Belle that he too is a victim of gossip.
No, we're not odd, its true
Maurice confirms to Belle that they are not odd as people say.
No fam'ly ever saner
Maurice points out how their family is the sanest one.
Except one uncle who...well, maybe let that pass
Maurice quickly brushes over their one odd uncle's weird behavior.
In all you say or do
Maurice compliments Belle on the way she behaves and speaks.
You couldn't make it plainer
Maurice thinks that Belle is so plain and innocent in her actions and words.
You are your mother's daughter; therefore you are class
Maurice points out how Belle has inherited good traits from her classy mother.
So I should just accept
Belle thinks she is odd and should just accept it.
I'm simply not like them
Belle feels that she is different from everyone else.
They are the common herd
Maurice refers to the general public as a common herd of people.
And you should take my word
Maurice wants Belle to listen to him and believe what he says.
You are unique: creme de la creme
Maurice compliments Belle saying that she is very special and unique.
No matter what you do
Maurice assures Belle that he will always be on her side.
I'm on your side
Maurice wants Belle to know that he supports her no matter what.
And if my point of view Is somewhat misty-eyed
Maurice admits that he might be emotional in expressing his love for Belle.
There's nothing clearer in my life
Maurice is certain that his love for Belle is the most important thing to him.
Than what I wish and feel for you
Maurice is talking about his unmatched love for Belle.
And that's a lot...
Maurice emphasizes how much he loves Belle.
No matter what
Maurice emphasizes again that he loves Belle no matter what she does.
No matter what they say
Belle tells Maurice that she will ignore what others say about her.
You make me proud I love the funny way
Belle tells Maurice that he makes her feel proud and loves his funny way of doing things.
You stand out from the crowd
Belle thinks Maurice is unique and stands out from the crowd.
It's my intention my invention
Maurice tells Belle that he has a plan to make the world know how special they both are.
Shows the world out there one day
Maurice wants to show the world how unique and special his family is.
Just what we've got...
Maurice is proud of what he has got and wants the world to see that.
Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate
Maurice suggests that some people might think that fathers exaggerate about the qualities of their daughters.
That ev'ry daughter's great?
Maurice questions if everyone thinks their daughters are great.
You are!
Maurice thinks that Belle truly is great.
And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops
Maurice suggests that every daughter thinks her father is the best.
She pulls out all the stops to praise him
Maurice thinks that every daughter tries to compliment her father as much as she can.
And quite rightly!
Belle agrees with Maurice and thinks every daughter should praise her father.
No matter what the pain
Maurice highlights how nothing can create a rift between him and Belle.
We've come this far I pray that you remain
Maurice hopes that Belle remains with him, no matter how difficult life gets in the future.
Exactly as you are
Maurice wants Belle to be herself no matter what happens in life.
This really is a case of father knowing best
Maurice thinks that fathers always know what's best for her daughter's lives.
And daughter too!
Belle thinks daughter's know what they want in life too.
You're never strange
Maurice thinks Belle is a normal person, not strange at all.
Don't ever change
Belle says she will surely never change herself.
You've all I've got
Maurice is proud of Belle and thinks she is the only one he has.
No matter what.
Maurice emphasizes again that he treasures Belle, no matter what happens in life.
Contributed by Aaliyah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.