The cast in 94 included Jonathan Pryce as Fagin, Sally Dexter as Nancy, Miles Anderson as Bill Sikes, James Villiers as Mr. Brownlow, James Saxon as Mr. Bumble, Jenny Galloway as Widow Corney, David Delve as Mr. Sowerberry and Julia Deakin as Mrs. Sowerberry. The role of Oliver was initially performed by Gregory Bradley and James Daley, while the Artful Dodger was played by Adam Searles and Paul Bailey.
As Long As He Needs Me
Oliver! - 1994 London Palladium Cast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh yes, he does need me
In spite of what you see,
I'm sure that he needs me
who else would love him still
when they've been used so ill
he knows I always will
as long as he needs me
but when he's near me I don't let on
the way I feel inside
The love I have to hide
The hell i've got my pride
as long as he needs me
He doesn't say the things he should
he acts the way he thinks he should
but all the same I play this game his way
As long as he needs me
I know where I must be
I'll cling on steadfastly
as long as he needs me
as long as life is long
I'll love him right or wrong
and somehow i'll be strong
as long as he needs me
if you are lonely
then you will know
when someone needs you
you love them so
I won't betray his trust
though people say I must
i've got to stay true and just
as long as he needs me...
The song "As Long As He Needs Me" from the musical Oliver! is a tender and loving ballad sung by Nancy, a character who is madly in love with the villainous Bill Sikes. Despite his abusive behavior towards her, Nancy is convinced that Bill needs her and that she is the only person who truly loves him. The opening lines, "As long as he needs me, oh yes, he does need me," reveal Nancy's determination to stay by Bill's side, no matter what. She admits that others may see him differently, but she knows that he needs her love and support in his troubled life.
Nancy's devotion is unwavering, even though she is aware of Bill's past transgressions and violent tendencies. She sings that he knows she will always be there for him, despite how badly he has used her. Her love for Bill is palpable, and it is clear that she is deeply affected by his absence, yet tries to hide her feelings when he is around. Nancy feels that her love for Bill is a secret that she must keep, even though she is aware that her friends and family disapprove of their relationship. In the final chorus, Nancy declares that she will always remain loyal and true to Bill, no matter what others say or do.
Overall, "As Long As He Needs Me" presents a complex and nuanced depiction of love and devotion. It shows how powerful and overwhelming love can be, even when it is directed towards someone who is not worthy of it. At the same time, it also highlights the dangers of blind loyalty and the ways in which it can lead people to justify bad behavior. The song is a moving and emotional portrayal of the complexities of the human heart.
Line by Line Meaning
As long as he needs me,
I will stay with him as long as he needs me, no matter the circumstances.
Oh yes, he does need me
I am sure that he needs me, despite what others may think or see.
In spite of what you see,
Despite any negative appearances or rumors about our relationship,
I'm sure that he needs me
I am positive that he still loves and needs me.
Who else would love him still
Despite his past wrongdoings and mistakes, I am the only one who still loves and cares for him.
When they've been used so ill
Even though he may have mistreated or hurt me in the past.
He knows I always will
He knows that I will always be there for him, no matter what.
I miss him so much when he is gone
When he is not with me, I feel a deep sense of longing and sadness.
But when he's near me I don't let on
However, when he is around, I try to hide my feelings and maintain my composure.
The way I feel inside
My true feelings of love and devotion towards him.
The love I have to hide
I have to conceal my love and affection for him, because of the shame or guilt associated with our relationship.
The hell I've got my pride
My reluctance to show any vulnerability or weakness, even in the face of difficult situations.
He doesn't say the things he should
He may not always express his love or appreciation for me in the way that I want him to.
He acts the way he thinks he should
He behaves according to his own beliefs and values, rather than conforming to societal expectations.
But all the same I play this game his way
Despite any disagreements or differences, I am willing to compromise and adjust to his needs and desires.
I know where I must be
My place is by his side, no matter what.
I'll cling on steadfastly
I will hold onto my love and devotion for him, even in trying times.
As long as life is long
For as long as I live,
I'll love him right or wrong
I will love him unconditionally, even if he makes mistakes or wrong choices.
And somehow I'll be strong
Through it all, I will find the strength to persevere and endure any hardships.
If you are lonely
For those who feel alone,
Then you will know
You will understand
When someone needs you
The depth of love and devotion that comes from being needed by someone else.
You love them so
You will love them with all your heart.
I won't betray his trust
I will always be faithful and loyal to him.
Though people say I must
Even if others disagree or criticize our relationship.
I've got to stay true and just
I must remain honest and fair in my love and commitment to him.
As long as he needs me...
I will always be there for him, through thick and thin.
Contributed by Chloe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.