From the musical “Oliver”, 1959.
Words and music by Lionel Bart.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James PItt-Payne:
Lyrics
As long as he needs me
Oh, yes, he does need me
In spite of what you see
I’m sure that he needs me
Who else would love him still
When they’ve been used so ill
He knows I always will
As long as he needs me
I miss him so much when he is gone
But when he’s near me I don’t let on
The way I feel inside
The love I have to hide
The hell! I’ve got my pride
As long as he needs me
He doesn’t say the things he should
He acts the way he thinks he should
But all the same I’ll play
This game his way
As long as he needs me
I know where I must be
I’ll cling on steadfastly
As long as he needs me
As long as life is long
I’ll love him right or wrong
As somehow I’ll be strong
As long as he needs me
If you are lonely then you will know
When someone needs you you love them so
I won’t betray his trust
Tho’ people say I must
I’ve got to stay true
Just as long as he needs me
Vocal by Marian March.
Video by Vancha March: