The song is about Legend’s love for Chrissy Teigen, and he married her in 2013.
The song is an outright love song. Legend met Teigen in 2006 when he was filming the video for “Stereo.” Teigen was only 21 at the time, but he was enraptured anyway. He asked her to marry him in 2011, and they got married two years later. The song describes both her terrific personality, complete with “smart mouth,” and her wonderful looks. He says that all of him loves all of her and also points out that her imperfections make her all the more desirable. He describes how she’s beautiful even when angry or sad. With humor, Legend says in the song that he’s “under water” but still breathing fine. Their love makes him “out of his mind,” and he calls her crazy. But, it’s the good-natured fun of two people in love teasing one another. He’s content because after he gave her all of him, she gave him all of her too. People relate to the song through their own stories, which is one of the chief reasons that the song is as popular as it is.
Simple and Honest
The song features just Legend singing, piano, bass, and overdubbing by “voice robots.” He and Teigen are romantic and sensual in the video for the song, showering together, kissing passionately, and loving each other openly and honestly. It’s both charming and titillating at the same time. The video was shot just days before their wedding. It’s striking in its use of black-and-white imagery. There are no fancy video effects, either, just the song and the love of two people. Legend says that not only was he being honest in the song and video about his life with Teigen but also that the song speaks to a universal truth of love between partners. He sounds almost wistful in the interview when describing how people propose to their partners during the song at his concerts. A loud cheer in the middle of the song is the telltale sign that two people have just agreed to marry.
Chart Performance
The song was No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in May 2014. Counting the United Kingdom Hip Hop Chart, it was also No. 1 in an even dozen countries around the world at the same time. It reached the top five in 15 more countries. In the United States, it sold nearly 6 million copies and was certified 14 times platinum. It even sold 1.2 million copies in Australia, which is 17 times platinum in that country. As of August 3, 2023, the song has 2.3 billion views on YouTube.
Other Media
Contestants on “The Masked Singer” sang the song during three different seasons. The song also appears in the song lists of contestants on “American Idol,” “The Voice,” and “Sing On!” The dramas “Chicago Fire” and “The Mysteries of Laura” include the song as well.
Lyrics
What would I do without your smart mouth?
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
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
My head’s under water
But I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind
‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
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-oh
How many times do I have to tell you?
Even when you’re crying, you’re beautiful too
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
My head’s under water
But I’m breathing fine
You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind
‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
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-oh
Give me all of you, oh
Cards on the table, we’re both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it’s hard
‘Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
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
I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh-oh
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Stephens / Tobias Gad
All of Me lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc
Listeners of R&B music, might also appreciate the song No More Drama by Mary J Blige
