The Meaning of All of Me by John Legend

This is one of the most beautiful love songs ever composed. It’s filled with brutal honesty, not just that fluffy fairy tale shit. The song is an admission that every relationship can have its issues and you can overcome them as long as you accept each other and give it your all.

Make someone your priority, make them your everything, and discover your happily ever after together.

What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out

This a reference to sarcasm and minor annoyances. Drawing me in and kicking me out can refer to kissing and then pushing someone away but in this reference it refers to verbal compliments and verbal insults, both an attraction and a repellent.

You’ve got my head spinning, no kidding, I can’t pin you down
What’s going on in that beautiful mind
I’m on your magical mystery ride
And I’m so dizzy, don’t know what hit me, but I’ll be alright

This segment has multiple lines that literally mean the same thing. He just can’t figure her out, she’s spontaneous, random, and unpredictable. Even though this may be the case he accepts that and knows it will all work out as planned.

My head’s under water
But I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind

This screams invulnerability, immortality, immunity, or whatever word you want to use. His love is so strong that he’s able to face things head on without harm.

Imagine being immersed in water and having an oxygen tank with so you can breathe — she’s his oxygen tank, the one that keeps him safe and sound.

The acknowledgement that theres probably something nutty about the both of them is smileworthy.

‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections

I accept you for who you are and love every piece of you with all of my heart.

Give your all to me
I’ll give my all to you
You’re my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I’m winning
‘Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh

As long as we give ourselves to each other nothing can come between us. Time stops and this is it. You are my soulmate. Losing is impossible because anytime he loses she wins and when she wins she’s happy and that makes him happy. All egos are set aside for perfection.

How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you’re crying you’re beautiful too

No matter how bad you feel, no matter what you’re going through, I will be there for you always. I will support you and nothing can change how I feel about you. You are beautiful in my eyes in every single way.

The world is beating you down, I’m around through every mood
You’re my downfall, you’re my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can’t stop singing, it’s ringing, in my head for you

I don’t know if this was intentional or not to keep the metaphors of this song rooted in the water realm but muses are also known as water nymphs. They are the goddesses of inspiration and much more. So here we have another polar opposite of perfection, a ying and a yang.

She brings him down but also inspires him at the same time. They rise and fall together. He can’t stop thinking about her.

Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we’re both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it’s hard

A reference to card playing. When someone puts their cards on the table it reveals them to their opponents. What he’s saying is they’re putting everything out there for each other to see and holding nothing back.

The hearts showing is two-fold, they are showing their hearts which is the very depths of their souls but at the same time the reference to hearts is a symbol of love.

Risking it all clarifies that they are “all-in” and there’s no turning back.

Summary

So what we have here in only a few minutes is a crazy romantic love story. Two people that know things are a little strange and unusual. They know things are hard at times and don’t make sense. But they also know that as long as they have each other they are unstoppable. They know that it takes giving it their all in exchange in exchange for a deep love and eternal happiness with each other.

If you haven’t watched the video yet check it out.  I prefer the Lindsey Stirling version but both are below.  Watch the original if you’re seeking a greater understanding of this song.