I would give everything I own/
Just to have you back again…
“Everything I Own” was written by David Gates specifically about his father—that he presumably lost. He mentioned that in a concert. Don’t let that stop you from letting the song mean something different to you. The song works on several levels.
Don’t we all have someone in our past who is gone—someone we wish we could have done things differently with? Whether they are gone due to death, a breakup, or circumstance–we can all relate to this sentiment. That is one of the reasons this song is a classic.
Taking a particular experience and making a song about a universal experience is a good way to connect with many people. Here, the catalyst for writing the song may have been a particular event—(the loss of his father) but he wrote a song about feelings of loss in general. This is a recipe for success in pop and rock music.
The melody of the both the verse and the chorus are so great—especially the chorus. It sounds timeless, in the same way that a classic folk song does or Yesterday. The way the lyrics and melody combine with the orchestration to build to a crescendo and the quick dénouement is quite the emotional rollercoaster.
But it is earned. The raw expression of love, gratitude and loss in the lyrics are quite touching and fit the song perfectly. Bread has many great songs you might want to check out.
Everything I Own Lyrics
You sheltered me from harm;
Kept me warm, kept me warm.
You gave my life to me,
Set me free, set me free.
The finest years I ever knew
Were all the years I had with you.
And I would give anything I own.
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home;
I would give everything I own.
Just to have you back again.
You taught me how to love.
What it’s of, what it’s of.
You never said too much
But still you showed the way.
And I knew from watching you.
Nobody else could ever know
The part of me that can’t let go.
And I would give anything I own.
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home;
I would give everything I own.
Just to have you back again.
Is there someone you know?
Your loving them so
But taking them all for granted?
You may lose them one day.
Someone takes them away
And they don’t hear the words you long to say.
I would give anything I own.
I’d give up my life, my heart, my home;
I would give everything I own.
Just to have you back again.
written by David Gates of Bread