Stephen Sondheim
Not While I’m Around
[TOBIAS, spoken]
You know, mum, there's nothing I wouldn't do for you. If there was a monster or an ogre or anything bad like that wot was after you, I'd rip it apart with my bare fists, I would.
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
What a sweet child it is...
[TOBIAS, spoken]
...Even if it was just a man...
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
A man, dear?
[TOBIAS, spoken]
A man wot was bad and wot might be luring you all unbeknownst into his evil deeds, like.
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
Here, what is this? What are you talking about?
[TOBIAS]
Nothing's gonna harm you
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 got ways
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
Of course you do... What a sweet, affectionate child it is.
[TOBIAS]
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you—
Not to worry
Whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you
With a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing can harm you
Not while I'm
Around
Not to worry, not to worry
I may not be smart but I ain't dumb
I can do it
Put me to it
Show me something I can overcome
Not to worry, mum
Being close and being clever
Ain't like being true
I don't need to, I won't never
Hide a thing from you
Like some
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
Now, let's stop all this foolish chatter and just sit here, nice and quiet.
(sung)
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm around!
Nothing's gonna harm you, Toby
Not while I'm around
[TOBIAS]
Demons are prowling
Everywhere
Nowadays
I'll send them howling
I don't care—
[MRS. LOVETT, spoken]
Boys and their fancies! What will we think of next?
[TOBIAS]
No one's gonna hurt you
No one's gonna dare
Others can desert you
Not to worry
Whistle, I'll be there
Demons'll charm you
With a smile
For a while
But in time
Nothing's gonna harm you
Not while I'm
Around!