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