Como was also very popular in the UK. His chart successes ranged from 1953 to 1974 and included two number one's, his first hit 'Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes' in 1953 and 'Magic Moments' which stayed at the top for 8 weeks in 1958. His other big UK hits were 'Delaware' ( No 3 in 1960), ' It's Impossible' (No 4 in 1971) , 'And I Love You So' (No 3 in 1973), and 'For The Good Times' (No 7 in 1973).
As well as TV and recording success, Perry Como also made a number of films, including ' Something For The Boys' and 'Doll Face' which were released during WW2.
He died in his sleep on 12 May 2001.
This Is All I Ask
Perry Como Lyrics
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Walk a little slower,
When you walk by me!
Lingering sunsets,
Stay a little longer,
With the lonely sea!
Children everywhere,
When you shoot at bad men,
Take me to that strange enchanted land,
Grown-ups seldom understand!
Wandering rainbow,
Leave a bit of color,
For my heart to own!
Stars in the sky,
Make my wish come true,
Before the night has flown,
And let the music play, as long,
As there's a song to sing,
And I will stay younger than spring!
Wandering rainbow,
Leave a bit of color,
For my heart to own!
Stars in the sky,
Make my wish come true,
Before the night has flown . . .
And let the music play, as long,
As there's a song to sing,
And I will stay younger,
In every way younger,
Yes, I will stay younger than the spring!
Words and Music by Gordon Jenkins, 1963
In Perry Como's song "This Is All I Ask," the lyrics convey a sense of longing, nostalgia, and a desire to hold onto the beauty and innocence of life. The singer addresses beautiful girls, asking them to walk slower when they pass by, as if wanting to savor their presence for a little longer. Lingering sunsets and the lonely sea are also asked to stay a bit longer, as if the singer yearns for their soothing presence.
The lyrics take a poignant turn when the singer implores children to shoot at him instead of bad men, expressing a willingness to take on the burdens and dangers of the world in order to protect the innocence of the young. There is a longing to be taken to a "strange enchanted land," a place of magic and wonder that is often lost to grown-ups who fail to comprehend its allure.
The reference to the wandering rainbow leaving a bit of color for the singer's heart implies a desire for love and joy, while the stars in the sky are asked to make the singer's wish come true before the night ends. The lyrics express a deep connection to music and its ability to keep the singer feeling young and vibrant, as long as there's a song to sing.
Overall, "This Is All I Ask" speaks to the fleeting nature of beauty, the yearning for love and innocence, and the appreciation of the transformative power of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Beautiful girls,
Women of exceptional beauty,
Walk a little slower,
Please slow down your pace,
When you walk by me!
When you pass me by!
Lingering sunsets,
Sunsets that extend their stay,
Stay a little longer,
Remain in the sky a bit more,
With the lonely sea!
Accompanying the desolate ocean!
Children everywhere,
Kids present in all places,
When you shoot at bad men,
When you aim at wicked individuals,
Shoot at me!
Direct your shots towards me!
Take me to that strange enchanted land,
Transport me to that mysterious and captivating realm,
Grown-ups seldom understand!
Adults comprehend it rarely!
Wandering rainbow,
Roaming arc of colors,
Leave a bit of color,
Leave behind some hues,
For my heart to own!
For my heart to possess!
Stars in the sky,
Celestial bodies in the heavens,
Make my wish come true,
Grant the fulfillment of my desire,
Before the night has flown,
Before the night has passed,
And let the music play, as long,
And allow the music to continue playing, as much time as needed,
As there's a song to sing,
As long as there is a song to be sung,
And I will stay younger than spring!
And I will maintain a youthful spirit surpassing the season of spring!
And let the music play, as long,
And allow the music to continue playing, as much time as needed,
As there's a song to sing,
As long as there is a song to be sung,
And I will stay younger,
And I will remain youthful,
In every way younger,
In every aspect of my being,
Yes, I will stay younger than the spring!
Indeed, I will stay youthful more than the season of spring!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gordon Jenkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind