The song "All Or Nothing At All" by Al Jarreau portrays a story of a passionate and dedicated love. The narrator emphasizes their commitment to the relationship and the lengths they are willing to go to please their partner. They acknowledge that having their partner around keeps them grounded and brings them happiness. The lyrics reveal the narrator's emotional vulnerability and their tendency to feel jealousy and act foolishly when it comes to their love. They describe this as an overreaction but it stems from their intense love for their partner. The narrator expresses their desire for exclusivity, not wanting to share their partner with anyone else. They assure their partner that they will always strive to be the best lover for them, emphasizing their desperate need for their partner's devotion. The phrase "all or nothing at all" serves as a recurring theme throughout the song. It signifies the narrator's desire for complete and unconditional love from their partner. They want their partner to choose them fully and not have any other distractions or options. They declare that they will always be there whenever their partner calls, but they need a commitment in return. The lyrics also highlight the narrator's fear of heartbreak and betrayal, wanting assurance from their partner that they will never let go. They emphasize the importance of trust and the need for their partner to lay their love on the line, confirming their dedication to the relationship. Overall, "All Or Nothing At All" portrays a deeply passionate and committed love, with the narrator expressing their need for complete dedication from their partner.