Released: 2013
The pop classic “All of Me” by singer-songwriter John Legend, is a passionate serenade to his then-fiancée, Chrissy Teigen, which delves into the depth of romantic devotion. The song encapsulates the concept of embracing all aspects of someone you love, their perfect and not-so-perfect attributes, with the desire to give your all in return.
Right off the bat, Legend kicks the door down with lines like ‘What would I do without your smart mouth? Drawing me in, and you kicking me out,’ painting a vivid portrait of the push and pull dynamics of love. The ‘smart mouth’ refers to the often sassy or quick-witted remarks that stem from a comfortable and intimate relationship, which could also lead to friction, hence ‘and you kicking me out.’
Expressing a sense of bewilderment in the verses, ‘You’ve got my head spinning, no kidding, I can’t pin you down’ and ‘My heads underwater, But I’m breathing fine,’ he channels the intoxicating rush of love. He’s lost in this whirlwind, and though it might seem overwhelming, like being underwater, he’s managing just fine – he’s in love after all.
The chorus absolutely steals the show, with lines like ‘All of me loves all of you, Love your curves and all your edges, All your perfect imperfections’. Here, Legend lays bare his full affection, declaring his love for every part of his partner, the good, the bad, the curves, edges, and imperfections. It’s a radical acceptance that makes love genuine and profound.
“Give your all to me, I’ll give my all to you, You’re my end and my beginning,” is a delicious example of a call to action and reciprocation in love. Here, you can see that Legend isn’t just talking about receiving love, but also giving it in return. Plus, the ‘my end and my beginning’ bit emphasizes the cyclical, all-encompassing nature of their relationship.
Verse 2 continues to illustrate their love story. With lines like ‘You’re my downfall, you’re my muse, My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues,’ Legend acknowledges that as much as love can be an uplifting and inspiring emotion, it can also be fraught with challenges – but that’s what makes it real.
And finally, ‘Cards on the table, we’re both showing hearts, Risking it all, though it’s hard,’ encapsulates the courage it takes to love fully; opening oneself up, being vulnerable and truthful, despite the risks involved.
Ultimately, “All of Me” is a tribute to the duality of love: the exhilirating highs, the chaotic lows and everything in between, all of which make a relationship intrinsically beautiful and worth pursuing.
