All I Care About

In the song 'All I Care About,' performed by Richard Gere in the musical 'Chicago,' the character Billy Flynn, a slick and charismatic lawyer, presents a seemingly altruistic persona. The song opens with a chorus of girls expressing their admiration for Billy, setting the stage for his grand entrance. Billy then declares that material possessions like cashmere coats, diamond rings, and fine attire hold no value for him. Instead, he claims that all he cares about is love.

However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that Billy's definition of love is multifaceted and somewhat self-serving. He mentions different types of love, including physical love, love of justice, and love of legal procedure. This broad definition serves to paint Billy as a man of principle and compassion, but it also cleverly masks his true intentions. The line 'All I care about is doin' the guy in who's pickin' on you' reveals a more manipulative side, suggesting that Billy's love is conditional and often used as a tool for personal gain.

The song is a brilliant example of how characters in 'Chicago' use charm and wit to manipulate those around them. Billy's declarations of love are a facade, designed to win over the jury and the public. The upbeat, jazzy tune and the enthusiastic chorus of girls add to the irony, making the song both entertaining and thought-provoking. Through this performance, the musical critiques the superficiality and corruption inherent in the legal and social systems of the time, themes that remain relevant today.