As Long As He Needs Me

Album: Oliver! (1960)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "As Long As He Needs Me" was written by Lionel Bart for Oliver!, his stage and film adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist. It is easily the best known and most widely recorded song from this particular Bart production, and has been covered by all manner of artists including diva Shirley Bassey. As its title suggests, it is a love song, though sadly this love was unrequited. In the show/film, it is sung by Nancy about professional criminal lowlife Bill Sikes. Then he murders her! >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England
  • Producer Norman Newell had booked the expensive number one recording studio at EMI's Abbey Road for Shirley Bassey to record her version of this song, and he and a large orchestra, who were booked until 17.30, grew increasingly exasperated awaiting the Welsh singer's arrival. Eventually, Norman made a phone call to Bassey's home to discover that she had completely forgotten about the recording session. Completely unaware of the drama she had created, the singer had gone to the cinema, so Newell arranged for every movie theater in London's West End page her. A breathless Bassey finally rushed in at 10 past five and gave one of the best recording performances of her career.

    It was worth the wait, as Bassey's version was one of the biggest hits of her career, staying in the UK singles charts for 30 consecutive weeks, and peaking at #2.

Comments: 1

  • Karen from Manchester, NhThe love really wasn't unrequited. Sykes loved Nancy in his own way...more or less. They even lived together. The murder wasn't premeditated; it was a crime of passion. He just "lost it". He was a classic abuser who went too far.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And Scandals

Top American Idol Moments: Songs And ScandalsSong Writing

Surprise exits, a catfight and some very memorable performances make our list of the most memorable Idol moments.

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Booker T. Jones

Booker T. JonesSongwriter Interviews

The Stax legend on how he cooked up "Green Onions," the first time he and Otis Redding saw hippies, and if he'll ever play a digital organ.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.

Billy Joe Shaver

Billy Joe ShaverSongwriter Interviews

The outlaw country icon talks about the spiritual element of his songwriting and his Bob Dylan mention.