About the song
“Give It Away,” a poignant ballad penned by Jamey Johnson, Bill Anderson, and Buddy Cannon, stands as a testament to the enduring power of George Strait’s musical prowess. Released in July 2006 as the lead single from his album “It Just Comes Natural,” this song quickly ascended the charts, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This achievement marked Strait’s 41st No. 1 single, solidifying his reign as the king of country music and setting a new record for the most chart-topping hits in the genre.
The song’s narrative, inspired by Johnson’s own divorce, delves into the emotional turmoil of a broken relationship. Sung from the perspective of a man grappling with his wife’s departure, “Give It Away” captures the raw vulnerability and lingering heartache that accompany the end of a love story. As his wife walks away, the man is left to ponder the remnants of their life together, the material possessions that once held so much meaning.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a couple whose love has withered, leaving behind only the hollow echoes of arguments and resentment. The wife’s indifference to their shared belongings underscores the finality of their separation, her words echoing the sentiment that nothing is worth fighting for anymore. In the end, the man is left with the material possessions, but his heart remains heavy with the weight of lost love.
“Give It Away” resonated deeply with audiences, its timeless theme of love and loss striking a chord with listeners from all walks of life. The song’s critical acclaim further cemented its place in country music history, earning accolades from Billboard and American Songwriter, both of which ranked it among the greatest George Strait songs. In 2007, “Give It Away” swept the Academy of Country Music Awards, winning both Single of the Year and Song of the Year, and also took home the Song of the Year award at the Country Music Association Awards. The song’s widespread recognition culminated in a Grammy nomination for Best Male Country Vocal Performance in 2008.
“Give It Away” stands as a testament to George Strait’s ability to capture the essence of human emotions through song. Its poignant lyrics, coupled with Strait’s heartfelt delivery, create a powerful and enduring ballad that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Video
Lyrics
She was stormin’ through the house that day
And I could tell she was leavin’
And I thought, “Aw, she’ll be back”
‘Til she turned around and pointed at the wall and said
“That picture from our honeymoon
That night in ‘Frisco Bay
Just give it away”
She said, “Give it away”
“And that big four poster king sized bed
Where so much love was made
Just give it away”
She said, “Just give it away”
Just give it away
There ain’t nothing in this house worth fightin’ over
Oh, and we’re both tired of fightin’ anyway
So just give it away
So I tried to move on
But I found that each woman I held
Just reminded me of that day, hmm
When that front door swung wide open
She flung her diamond ring
Said, “Give it away
Just give it away”
And I said, “Now honey
Don’t you even want your half of everything?”
She said, “Give it away
Just give it away”
Just give it away
There ain’t nothing in this house worth fightin’ over
Oh, and we’re both tired of fightin’ anyway
So just give it away
So, I’m still right here where she left me
Along with all the other things
She don’t care about anymore, hmm
Like that picture from our honeymoon
That night in ‘Frisco Bay
She said, “Give it away”
Well, I can’t give it away
That big four poster king sized bed
Where all our love was made
She said, “Give it away”
Well, I can’t give it away
I’ve got a furnished house
A diamond ring
And a lonely, broken heart
Full of love
And I can’t even give it away
