About the song

Background

  • Released in 1967 on Dolly Parton’s debut album “Hello, I’m Dolly.”
  • Written by Bill Owens.
  • One of Parton’s earliest recordings, showcasing her signature style with a blend of country and pop influences.

Themes

  • The song explores the concept of reciprocity in relationships.
  • It highlights the importance of balance between giving and taking in love and life.
  • The lyrics touch on themes of fairness, commitment, and the potential consequences of one-sided devotion.

Lyrics

While I can’t provide the full lyrics here due to copyright restrictions, here are some key excerpts that illustrate the themes:

  • “There’s a time for takin’ and a time for givin'” (Introduces the central theme of balance)
  • “Love’s a two-way street, gotta give and take” (Emphasizes reciprocity)
  • “If you keep on takin’ and never give nothin’ back / You don’t deserve the good things in life on the right track” (Warns against one-sided relationships)
  • “There’s nothin’ wrong with takin’ a little time / To show someone you love them, and make their heart chime” (Encourages acts of love and appreciation)

Overall

“The Giving and the Taking” is a simple yet profound song that captures the essence of healthy relationships. It’s a reminder that love thrives on mutual effort, understanding, and a willingness to give as much as you receive.

For the full listening experience, you can find the song on various music streaming platforms.

Video

Lyrics

I keep on a-givingAnd I took all the taking
I gave all my love to youAnd I took all your hurtI treated you so good but you treated me like dirtThey say love is give and takeNow my poor heart is breaking
I keep on a-givingAnd I took all the taking
I always gave you everything that I knew how to giveYou always took advantage of meYou knew I would forgiveI treated you too good for my own goodNow I’m alone and left forsaken
I keep on a-givingAnd I took all the taking
The giving and the takingHas caused my heart to breakI’ve given all that I can giveAnd I have taken all that I can take
The giving and the takingHas caused my heart to breakI’ve given all that I can giveAnd I have taken all that I can take

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