“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
I have to tell you about this cover I stumbled on—Johnny Mathis singing “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera. Imagine that silky, warm Mathis tone weaving through Andrew Lloyd Webber’s lush melody—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cashmere blanket on a rainy afternoon. Mathis first recorded it for his album Mathis on Broadway, released April 25, 2000, and from the opening piano chords, you can tell he’s not just singing the notes—he’s living them
What I love most is how he makes the duet his own, even if he’s technically singing solo here. The original—penned by Webber with lyrics by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe—was written for two voices: Christine and Raoul. But when Mathis steps in, he fills both roles with such tenderness and respect. There’s a moment, right at “Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime,” where his voice hesitates just enough to convey longing—and you feel it deep in your chest
It’s easy to forget this song debuted in London’s West End back in 1986. But Mathis brings a fresh intimacy to it—he strips away the theatrical fog and invites you into a quiet conversation. You can almost picture him in a dimly lit studio, closing his eyes, leaning into the mic, and saying, “This one’s for you.” That personal touch is pure Mathis: he’s sold over 180 million records worldwide, yet every performance sounds like it’s happening for the very first time
Beyond the technical brilliance, there’s something universal here: the promise of shelter and devotion. Especially nowadays, when we all crave connection, hearing Mathis whisper those lyrics feels like a friend reassuring you that someone’s got your back. It’s romantic, yes—but also deeply human. He reminds us that asking for love and giving it freely aren’t weak—they’re the bravest things we do.
So if you need a moment of comfort or a reminder that beauty still exists in everyday life, press play on this video. Let Johnny Mathis’s voice carry you into a world where one love can indeed be one lifetime. And afterward, ask yourself: what are you brave enough to ask for?
Video
Lyrics
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I’m here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I’m here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you
Then say you love me every winter morning
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you, now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That’s all I ask of you
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You’re safe no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
All we need is freedom
A world that’s warm and bright
And you always beside me
To hold me and to hide me
Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you
Anywhere you go, let me go too
That’s all I ask of you
Say the word and I will follow you
Share each day with me, each night, each morning
Say you feel the way I do
That’s all I ask of you
Anywhere you go let me go too
Love me that’s all I ask of you