Esmerelda [Dennis DeYoung]

Esmerelda
Written by Dennis DeYoung
Lead Vocals by Dennis DeYoung

Quasimodo
I cross my heart
And hope to die
If any word's untrue
How could I lie
And still be worthy of you
I will be there for you always
To stand by your side
If you need me don't ever think twice

If you should wake
To find the sun
Has yet to start the day
And every star up in the skies gone away
Out of the darkness
You'll find me aglow in the night
From the light that I see in your eyes

Esmerelda, let me be your guardian angel
I'll protect you and direct you from all harm
For my devotion I ask only this
Just to be near you and dream of your kiss

Esmerelda, let me be your guardian angel
I'll protect you and direct you from all harm
If there is danger I want you to know
Don't be afraid for you're never alone

Interpretation

In Act II of the The Hunchback of Notre Dame, after the hunchback Quasimodo saves beautiful Esmerelda from the gallows and gives her sanctuary in the belfry of Notre Dame, he explains how he feels unworthy of her.  He loves her and vows to protect her.