Anatomy of Great Lyric Poetry “All I Ask of You” From “Phantom of Opera”

I really like the lyric poetry “All I ask of you” from “Phantom of Opera”.  When I read the lyric and and listen to that song, I had quite a few aha moments. I don’t know Andrew Lloyd Webber is such a gifted poet, except he is a great composer. He is so creative with words in that song. They let your imagination fly. No wonder the song “All I Ask of You” is loved by so many people around the world.

I particularly like some of phrases and lines in the song, which I highlight below. They are great metaphor. For example, “talk of darkness”, “talk of summer time”. Here, “darkness” is applied to a sad feeling, pain or fear, while “summer time” is for happiness. Also, “Let me be your freedom”, “Let daylight dry your tear”…..the lines like that are so creative and striking. Imagining yourself how can “daylight” “dry your tear”?

 

[RAOUL]
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I’m here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I’m here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you

[CHRISTINE]
Say you love me every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That’s all I ask of you

[RAOUL]
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You’re safe, no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you

[CHRISTINE]
All I want is freedom
A world with no more night
And you, always beside me
To hold me and to hide me

[RAOUL]
Then say you’ll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you, here beside you
Anywhere you go, let me go too
Christine, That’s all I ask of you.

[CHRISTINE]
Say you’ll share with me
One love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you

[TOGETHER]
Share each day with me
Each night, each morning
Say you love me [CHRISTINE]
You know I do[RAOUL]

[BOTH]
Anywhere you go, Let me go too
Love me, that all I ask of you

 

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