Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: show-tunes
Song Meaning of “Sweeney Todd (arr. J. Silberschlag, orch. W.T. McKinley for trumpet and string orchestra): Not while I’m around” by Stephen Sondheim
This song is from the musical Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and was composed by Stephen Sondheim. It is a powerful and uplifting song that speaks to the power of love and friendship and how it can be used to protect someone from harm.
The song is sung by Sweeney in a triumphant and determined tone, as he has finally been reunited with his daughter, Johanna. He finds a sense of hope and comfort in Johanna’s presence, and is determined to protect her from any harm that may come her way. The lyrics carry an underlying message of hope and strength, emphasizing that while he is around, she will stay safe and protected.
The orchestration of the song is strikingly beautiful, with the strings providing the strong backbone of the piece while the trumpet adds a gentle and soaring melody on top of it. The strings and the trumpet provide a contrast of both soft and loud, allowing the listener to feel both the strength and the subtle, fragile moments of the song.
The overall sentiment of the song is one of assurance and tenderness, with Sweeney telling Johanna “not while I’m around”. He prepares her for any dangers that may come her way, but in the same breath ensures her that he will always be there to protect her.